Therapeutic failure of multidrug therapy for leprosy: A retrospective case series in a hyperendemic Brazilian City
More than half of patients treated with an extended 24-dose MDT regimen harbored persistent M. leprae activity despite apparent dermatological cure, and most experienced worsening neural function. Time-based discharge criteria alone are inadequate to confirm cure. We recommend integrating post-treatment histopathological, molecular, and inoculation assessments-particularly in patients with persistent reactions or neurological complaints-to identify therapeutic failure, guide retreatment, and prevent long-term disability.
Authors
- Andrea Maia Fernandes de Araújo Fonseca (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2235-5799)
- Rodrigo Feliciano do Carmo (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9601-6995)
- Patrícia Sammarco Rosa (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2745-2854)
- Cléverson Teixeira Soares (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1286-5410)
- Francisco Bezerra de Almeida Neto
- Andrea de Faria Fernandes Belone (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5218-3863)
- Luciana Raquel Vincenzi Fachin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7493-950X)
- Suzana Madeira Diório (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3553-9861)
- Daniele de Faria Ferreira Bertoluci
Institutions
- Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima (BR)
- Centro Universitário Maurício de Nassau (BR)
- Universidade Federal do Vale do São Francisco (BR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- PLoS neglected tropical diseases
- Published
- 2025-11-25
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pntd.0013616
- Primary Topic
- Leprosy Research and Treatment
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00