Treatment of leprosy in the changing scenario.

Leprosy, also known as Hansen's disease, an ancient affliction of mankind, is still endemic in some countries. The fear and stigma associated with the disease arised from the unsightly deformities due to nerve damage and anesthesia. Historically, mono- and multidrug therapies have been used in a range of combinations for various durations with variable results and degrees of compliance. WHO-recommended multidrug therapy has proved to be the most important landmark in the chemotherapy of leprosy with a tremendous success in the control of the disease, significant fall in the number of patients worldwide and acceptable relapse rates. Research for more effective and bactericidal drugs is in progress. Intensive short-course regimens and uniform schedules all along the spectrum are being evaluated in field trials. Care of patients with nerve function impairment, reactions, relapses and prevention of disabilities and rehabilitation will remain an imperative task for healthcare providers even in the post-elimination era. Integration of leprosy with general health services in all endemic countries poses a challenge for early diagnosis and proper management of disease, including reactions, prevention of disabilities, imparting quality training to primary healthcare workers and maintaining required expertise at the referral level. It is hoped that the newer and more effective patient-friendly regimens combined with the positive approach of national and international agencies could lead to leprosy becoming a historical disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]