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Introduction: The majority of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) have established primary skin manifestations or associated clinical feature. Skin NTDs often result in physical impairment and disfigurement, which can lead to disability. Skin diseases have been proposed as an entry point for integrated NTDs control. However, the magnitude and overlap of skin NTDs is poorly understood. Methodology: An institution-based cross-sectional study was done using medical records of dermatology patients between July 2017 and June 2018 in a dermatology service in Northeast Ethiopia. A total of 661 patient records were selected using simple random sampling. Results: A total of 656 complete records were included in analysis. Skin NTDs constituted 17.2% (n = 113) of the overall of skin diseases. Of skin NTDS, cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 40; 35.4%), leprosy (n = 38; 33.6%), and scabies (n = 31; 27.4%) were the most common. Additionally, there were four cases of mycetoma. Of the non NTDs, poverty-related infections such as superficial fungal (n = 118; 21.1%) and bacterial (n = 33; 5.2%) infections were also frequent. Tinea capitis was the most common superficial fungal infections. Impetigo and cellulitis were the predominant bacterial infections. Conclusions: Skin NTDsand other poverty related skin infections were common at the dermatology service. Dermatological services could act as a good entry point for integrated management of skin NTDs. Future studies should assess how different preventive strategies like contact tracing, early diagnosis and mass drug administration can be integrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Following the recommendation of the Global Leprosy Strategy, Ethiopia targeted to reduce the incidence of new leprosy cases, and the proportion with severe disability (grade 2) from 13.6% in 2016 to < 1% in 2020. This study assessed the clinical profile of new leprosy cases and the sequelae of previously treated ones 20 years after leprosy was eliminated as a public health problem in the country. Methodology: Hospital based cross sectional study was conducted by reviewing the medical records of all leprosy patients seen at the dermatology clinic of Boru Meda Hospital from August to December 2018.The data were captured using a standard data collection form. Results: Over the study period, 57 (27.4%) new cases and 151 (72.6%) previously treated cases were seen.The median age was 44 years (interquartile range 32-57). Among the newly diagnosed cases, two were under the age of 15 years, 51 (89.5%) were multibacillary and 34 (59.6%) had grade 2 disability. This included visual impairment in 10 (17.5%) and neurological complications in 44 (77.2%). Of the 151 previously treated cases, 104 (68.9%) presented with disabilities, including 97 (64.2%) with grade 2. Amongst previously treated cases, 130 (86.1%) had neurological complications. In addition, 53 (35.1%) had vision impairment. Conclusions: This study showed evidence of ongoing leprosy transmission and delayed diagnosis in the country. This calls for operational research to determine the underlying reasons and provide ways forward. At the same time, the high burden of disabilities in previously treated cases should be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]