Vietnam has detected 400 cases of leprosy in the past five years, a decrease of more than 50% compared to the previous period, thanks to timely treatment and management protocols and prevention of community transmission.
This information was provided by Dr. Le Thi Mai, from the Department of Clinical Guidance, National Dermatology Hospital, at the 2023 National Dermatology Conference. All provinces and cities have been recognized as having eliminated leprosy, with only scattered cases occurring. The number of cases has decreased sharply over the years. Between 2012 and 2016, over 1,000 cases were detected nationwide, with a disability rate of 18%. In the last five years, only over 400 new cases have been detected nationwide. Currently, approximately 8,000 leprosy patients are being managed nationwide.
Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium Leprae. The disease causes lesions on the skin and nerves, and if left untreated, it can lead to nerve damage, permanent disability, and physical deformities.
Scattered, tender, red papular lesions on the back in leprosy patients. Photo: National Dermatology Hospital
Leprosy is primarily transmitted through contact, but it is believed to spread through bodily fluids of infected individuals, especially through close and prolonged contact. However, once treatment begins, the likelihood of transmission is reduced by up to 99%. The rate of transmission between spouses is only 2-3%. The disease is not hereditary and is curable.
Previously, leprosy was considered an incurable disease. Later, with the advent of single-drug and multi-drug chemotherapy, many patients received timely treatment, preventing further spread in the community. This is a worldwide success, including in Vietnam.
Associate Professor Dr. Le Huu Doanh, Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, stated that the goal in leprosy control during the 2021-2025 period is to accelerate and complete the recognition of leprosy elimination at the district level in all 63 provinces and cities. By 2021, 24% of districts had eliminated leprosy. However, each year the country still records about 100 new leprosy cases, many of which live in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. Many cases are misdiagnosed as other skin diseases.
The reason is that the incubation period is long, ranging from 5-10 years, or even 20 years, and the disease is often overlooked, leading many doctors to misdiagnose it as contact dermatitis, allergies, atopic dermatitis, etc., because they also have similar manifestations such as papules and erythema on the skin.
Associate Professor Dr. Le Huu Doanh, Director of the Central Dermatology Hospital, at the conference on November 24th. Photo: Le Nga
Dr. Duong Phuc Hieu, from the Central Dermatology Hospital, assessed that leprosy remains a burden for some countries. While the number of newly detected cases has decreased, the number of latent leprosy cases tends to increase. Furthermore, even after chemotherapy, leprosy cases with high bacterial load are likely to relapse and react.
Research and production of a specific vaccine against leprosy is very important; however, currently, no such product exists, even though many countries have been researching it. One of the reasons is the difficulty in culturing the leprosy bacillus to produce a vaccine. Some leprosy vaccines have undergone clinical trials, but their effectiveness remains limited.
The National Hospital of Dermatology is a leading specialized hospital, directing the National Leprosy Prevention and Control Program. Currently, all leprosy patients receive multi-drug therapy with the prescribed dosage and duration, treated at home, and completely free of charge. In cases of complications, inpatient treatment may be provided at medical facilities. If detected early, complete recovery is possible within 6 months to a year of treatment, leaving no sequelae.
Le Nga
Source link
Comment (0)