Early diagnosis and treatment is the key in the fight against leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List – November 13th, 2011 

Ref.:   Early diagnosis and treatment is the key in the fight against leprosy.

From: H K Kar, New Delhi, India

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Dear Dr Noto,

Thank you very much for circulating Dr Saunderson’s message and the Final Report of the “Leprosy Vaccine Summit” (LML Nov. 08th, 2011). 

Rethinking of leprosy vaccine research is a positive approach in the direction of leprosy eradication from the globe.  It should be cost effective even for vaccination of contacts.  In India we were all involved in vaccine trial using various atypical mycobacterial antigens like Mw, ICRC, BCG etc. in last three decades with some success.  However, it could not be implemented in the field due to lack of cost effectiveness.  Chemoprophylaxis has shown some success.  Ultimately it is the early diagnosis and treatment, the key to eradication.

Regards,

Dr (Prof.) H K Kar
Consultant & HOD
Department of Dermatology, STD & Leprosy
P.G.I.M.E.R. and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital
Baba Kharag Singh Marg
New Delhi-110001