Sandbox john2: Difference between revisions
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==In Progress== | ==In Progress== | ||
Considering the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, in order to prevent lifetime damage in patients, primary prevention gains an extraordinary importance, particularly in areas of the world with higher incidence of the disease. | |||
Unfortunately up to today, there is still no scientifically valid tool for the detection of infection, which could deepen understanding of how leprosy is transmitted and could lead to the development of an effective vaccine and other interventions. As immunoprophylaxis, trials in different population groups with BCG vaccine, either alone or in combination with another vaccine (from killed Mycobacterium leprae or atypical Mycobacteria), have shown protective efficacy ranging between 28% and 60%. High BCG coverage remains an important contribution to reducing the disease burden due to leprosy. | |||
Chemoprophylaxis | |||
Chemoprophylaxis in chronic infectious diseases such as, tuberculosis has an established benefit, particularly when given to persons who are known to be at a higher risk of developing leprosy. The immediate contacts of a case of leprosy, especially multibacillary, are known to have a higher risk of developing the disease than compared to the general population. It is important, therefore, to consider possible interventions to prevent the occurrence of leprosy among household contacts. | |||
However, there must be robust trial evidence to demonstrate that the drug/s used for chemoprophylaxis are safe, effective and cost-efficient in terms of the number of new cases prevented. | |||
On account of lack of consistent results from various studies using various drugs (dapsone, acedapsone, rifampicin) it is too premature to advise chemoprophylaxis as a public health measure. Further research is needed to use this as a routine tool to prevent the occurrence of disease among contacts. | |||
==Random notes== | ==Random notes== | ||
Revision as of 00:25, 5 July 2014
In Progress
Considering the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of leprosy, in order to prevent lifetime damage in patients, primary prevention gains an extraordinary importance, particularly in areas of the world with higher incidence of the disease. Unfortunately up to today, there is still no scientifically valid tool for the detection of infection, which could deepen understanding of how leprosy is transmitted and could lead to the development of an effective vaccine and other interventions. As immunoprophylaxis, trials in different population groups with BCG vaccine, either alone or in combination with another vaccine (from killed Mycobacterium leprae or atypical Mycobacteria), have shown protective efficacy ranging between 28% and 60%. High BCG coverage remains an important contribution to reducing the disease burden due to leprosy.
Chemoprophylaxis
Chemoprophylaxis in chronic infectious diseases such as, tuberculosis has an established benefit, particularly when given to persons who are known to be at a higher risk of developing leprosy. The immediate contacts of a case of leprosy, especially multibacillary, are known to have a higher risk of developing the disease than compared to the general population. It is important, therefore, to consider possible interventions to prevent the occurrence of leprosy among household contacts.
However, there must be robust trial evidence to demonstrate that the drug/s used for chemoprophylaxis are safe, effective and cost-efficient in terms of the number of new cases prevented.
On account of lack of consistent results from various studies using various drugs (dapsone, acedapsone, rifampicin) it is too premature to advise chemoprophylaxis as a public health measure. Further research is needed to use this as a routine tool to prevent the occurrence of disease among contacts.
Random notes
