A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF CLINIC-EPIDEMIOLOGICAL PREVALENCE OF LEPROSY CASES IN COASTAL REGIONS OF KARNATAKA

Background: Leprosy (Hansen's disease) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affecting the skin, peripheral nerves, eyes, and respiratory mucosa. Diagnosis involves identifying anaesthetic skin lesions, thickened nerves, or acid-fast bacilli. Transmission occurs through nasal secretions, skin erosions, and blood. A long incubation period often delays diagnosis, leading to disabilities. In India, leprosy remains endemic, with a prevalence of 0.4 per 10,000. This study in coastal Karnataka aims to improve understanding and management of leprosy, enhancing early diagnosis and reducing disability rates. This Methods: retrospective descriptive study analyzed 12 years of leprosy case records from the Dermatology & Venereology Department at KRIMS, Karwar (2011–2023). Data were collected from patient case sheets, lab reports, and histopathological findings, focusing on age, gender, bacillary status, and treatment completion. Cases lacking essential information were excluded. Demographic and clinical variables were evaluated using descriptive statistics. The study provides a comprehensive overview of trends and outcomes in leprosy treatment in this coastal Karnataka tertiary care center. Between 2011 and 2023, 1,763 leprosy cases were analyzed, with 59.5% males and Results: 40.5% females (male-to-female ratio 1.4:1). Children accounted for 8.9% of cases. The prevalence ranged from 0.39 to 1.15 per 10,000, with annual case detection rates varyingsignificantly. Multibacillary leprosy cases increased from 56.84% in 2015-16 to 78.12% in 2021-22. Grade 2 disability peaked in 2012- 13, but no cases were reported between 2016 and 2019. Treatment completion rates were consistently high, highlighting the effectiveness of control efforts despite fluctuations in detection and disability trends. The 12-year study in coastal Conclusion: Karnataka revealed steady leprosy prevalence with fluctuating detection rates. Multibacillary cases increased significantly, while Grade 2 disabilities peaked early but disappeared later. High treatment completion rates and successful interventions from the National Leprosy Eradication Programme contributed to improved disease control over time.