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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy, May, 2026


 

Leprosy Mailing List –  June 9,  2026

 

Ref.:  (LML) Infolep monthly overview of new publications on leprosy, May, 2026

From: Elizabeth Talatu Williams, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

 

____________________________________________________________________________

 




Dear colleagues,

We are pleased to share the May 2026 edition of the Infolep Newsletter, featuring recent publications, case reports, and global updates from the leprosy field.

This month’s featured articles focus on key developments in health systems strengthening, conflict and health, and psychosocial wellbeing. Topics covered include findings from a global survey on strengthening frontline capacity for skin-related neglected tropical diseases, the impact of armed conflict on leprosy in Tigray, Ethiopia, and new research examining psychosocial resilience, social support, stigma, quality of life, and mental health among persons affected by leprosy.

The case reports in this issue reflect the ongoing diagnostic and clinical challenges in leprosy, including atypical clinical presentations, preserved sensation in lepromatous leprosy, neurological manifestations in non-endemic settings, and rare disease presentations that may complicate diagnosis. These reports reflect the importance of clinical awareness, timely diagnosis, and appropriate management.

This edition also includes updates on funding opportunities, including the DermImpact Grant Programme and the EDCTP Prizes 2027, alongside news on national programme developments, stigma reduction initiatives, policy discussions, and advocacy efforts from around the world. 

We hope this edition provides useful insights and supports your continued work in advancing leprosy research, care, and inclusion.

Please feel free to contact us if you would like access to full-text versions that are not available on Infolep, or if you would like our support with literature searches.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth Talatu Williams

www.leprosy-information.org
info@infolep.org
 




 



 



Featured Research Spotlight

Strengthening frontline capacity for skin neglected tropical diseases: Findings from a global survey
Anwar S, Freeman E, Geutjes R, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (5): 1 - 9. 


The impact of armed conflict on leprosy detection, treatment, and disability in Tigray, Ethiopia: a longitudinal comparison across conflict phases (2016–2025)
Demoz K, Hagos S, Meresa D, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (2): 1 - 11. 


Beyond demographics: disease duration and perceived social support as key determinants of psychosocial resilience in leprosy – a cross-sectional study
Chusniyah T, Widasmara D, Yunus M, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (2): 1 - 13. 


Quality of life, stigma, and mental health, in individuals affected by leprosy: a cross-sectional study
Chala TK, Garsleitner ES, Froeschl G, et al. Transactions of The Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. Oxford University Press (OUP). 2026.

 



 



 



Other New Publications


Feel free to contact us to receive full-text versions if these cannot be found through the Infolep portal.

 



Machine learning methods to predict leprosy misdiagnosis in Yunnan Province, People's Republic of China
Guo Y, Yin L, Yang H, et al. Frontiers in Public Health. Frontiers Media SA. 2026.


Serum Neurofilament Light Chain Levels in Leprosy Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study
Khurana A, Sharath S, Subramanian S, et al. Tropical medicine & international health: TM & IH. 2026.


The Sm29 antigen differentially shapes transcriptomic and regulatory landscapes across reactional forms of leprosy
Karoline Silva J, de Farias LN, Lago T, et al. Frontiers in Immunology. Frontiers Media SA. 2026; 17 (1844112): 1 - 13.


Child index cases of leprosy: clarifying the pathway for contact investigation
Selvaraju E. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (2): 1 - 3.


A qualitative case study on the resilience of leprosy patients facing community stigma in Sikka Regency, Indonesia
Gudipun L, Limbu R, Nayoan C. Psychology, health & medicine. 2026.


Exploring generational differences in the impact of stigma on mental health among people affected by leprosy in rural India: a qualitative study
Fastenau A, van den Bogaert N, Penna S, et al. Scientific Reports. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026.


Role of High-resolution Ultrasonography in the Evaluation of Ulnar Nerve Involvement in Patients with Leprosy
Nikhil K, Patil S, Janagond AB. Annals of African Medicine. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2026. 


Mathematical modeling of type II lepra reactions: Cytokine dynamics and the impact of multi drug therapy (MDT) and thalidomide
Ramanjaneyulu C, Vamsi D. Next Research. Elsevier BV. 2026.
 

 


Journey of a patient with a reactional episode of leprosy in an endemic area of Brazil
Larissa de Arruda V, Cortela DDCB, Margarida Benevides Ferreira S, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (2): 1 - 12. 


“Reactions in Leprosy: Updated Insights Into Pathophysiology, Clinical Spectrum, and Therapeutic Approaches—A Narrative Review”
Gupta B, Singh M, Goldust M, et al. Health Science Reports. Wiley. 2026; 9 (5): 1 - 14. 


The demographic and clinical profile of patients with leprosy reactions at Rizal Medical Center, Philippines, from 2018 to 2022
Acanto IJ, Tablizo A. Hansenologia Internationalis: hanseníase e outras doenças infecciosas. Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima. 2026; 51 (e41671): 1 - 20. 


Functional Outcomes of Long Pulse Width Stimulation and Myofascial Release Technique for Post-Leprosy Ulnar Claw Hand Correction: A Randomised Control Trial
Hassan M, Zafar S. International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology. Dr. Yashwant Research Labs Pvt. Ltd. 2026; 16 (44s): 849 - 855.


PHYSICAL DISABILITIES RESULTING FROM LEPROSY IN INDIVIDUALS UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE IN A HYPERENDEMIC, PALMAS-TOCANTINS, BRAZIL, 2015–2025
Spada AVD, Bertonsin GPO, Souza GARD, et al. Artefactum - revista de estudos interdisciplinares. Editoriales Iberoamericanos. 2026; 25 (2): 1 - 25. 


HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL INCLUSION OF PERSONS AFFECTED BY LEPROSY-RELATED: A GLOBAL LEPROSY STRATEGY 2021–2030
Ahmed Rufai Ahmed. African Journal of Legal Research. 2026; 4 (4): 1 - 23. 


Abutilon Indicum Leaf Extract–Loaded Novel Liposomal Formulation for Anti-Leprosy Activity
Sanika Sawant, Ananya Sangar, Rohini Patil. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES. 2026; 5 (5): 5384 - 5394.

 



 



 



Case Reports

Dual arthropathy in previously treated multibacillary leprosy: Inflammatory polyarthritis with neuropathic ankle destruction in an endemic setting
Rai S, Uppal H, Awale R, et al. Tropical Doctor. SAGE Publications. 2026.


Lepromatous Leprosy Presenting With Preserved Sensation: A Case Report
Shiyanbola AC, Emezie PC, Saheed O, et al. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 18 (5): 1 - 12. 


Paresthesia as an Initial Presentation of Hansen’s Disease in a Non-endemic Setting
Reddy K. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 18 (5): 1 - 8. 


Lepromatous Leprosy Mimicking Sarcoidosis With Elevated Serum ACE Levels: A Deceptive Granulomatous Presentation
Prashanth G, T D. Cureus. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 18 (5): 1 - 7. 


Scrotal Lepromatous Leprosy
Vendhan S, Neema S, Battula S. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2026.

 



 



Latest News

 


 



The DermImpact Grant Programme [International Foundation for Dermatology (IFD)]


Mid-Term Review: Strengthening Kenya’s Fight Against TB, Lung Diseases and Leprosy [National Tuberculosis, Leprosy and Lung Disease Program (NTLD-P) Kenya]


Lepra tackles leprosy’s mostoverlooked symptom: Stigma [Easterneye]


Medieval skeleton analysis suggests mercury was used as leprosy treatment [Interesting Engineering]


This Anonymous Woman Bringing Dignity And Joy To Leprosy Survivors In Sabitri Brata [OMMCOM NEWS]

 


EDCTP Prizes 2027: applications are open [Global Health EDCTP3]


Zimbabwe Charts Course to End TB and Leprosy by 2030 [Spikedmedia]


Nigeria’s leprosy centres crumble as government abandons patients to charity [OduNews]


The Quy Hoa leprosy village is about to be relocated to make way for a "mega" project [Vietnam.vn]


Ministry intensifies Wakiso TB, leprosy fight through faith leaders [PML Daily]


Kushthavastha Pension Scheme expands support for leprosy-affected persons in Uttar Pradesh [Indiatimes]
 

 



 



Upcoming Events

 


 



10th Edition of World Congress on Infectious Diseases

Location: Barcelona, Spain
Date: 25 - 27 June, 2026
Theme: New Frontiers in Infectious Diseases: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Control

The 10th Edition of World Congress on Infectious Diseases (Infection 2026), scheduled to be held on June 25–27, 2026, in-person and virtually. This event offers an exceptional hybrid platform, bringing together experts from across the globe to share knowledge and advance the science of infectious diseases.

Abstract submissions are currently open!

 


13th Edition of the EDCTP Forum

Location: Madrid, Spain
Date: 5 – 9 April, 2027

Over the past two decades, the biennial European & Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership (EDCTP) Forum has evolved to become a cornerstone event for global health research, bringing together leading voices advancing the fight against infectious diseases in sub-Saharan Africa. It showcases the latest scientific breakthroughs, highlights impactful capacity-building efforts, and creates a space for vibrant cross-regional collaboration.
 

 



 


 



 



Links

 



Info Hansen - An innovative hub for knowledge sharing about Hansen's Disease
 


ALLF - Official website of the Association des Léprologues de Langue Française
 


LML - Leprosy Mailing List - a free moderated email list that allows all persons interested in leprosy to share ideas, information, experiences and questions
 


InfoNTD - Information on cross-cutting issues in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

 


ILEP newsletter archive


GPZL newsletter subscription


WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin


Leprosy Review


Leprosy Review Repository (1928-2001)


Fontilles Revista de Leprología


Indian Journal of Leprosy


Hansenologia Internationalis


HARP -  Hansen's Disease Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles

 




GDPR & the Infolep newsletter

 
New EU data protection regulations came into force on 25 May 2018. We have been reviewing our practices with regards to the GDPR, including our
privacy statement and mailing list.

Infolep sends out monthly e-mails with an overview of recent publications on leprosy and related issues. The purpose of this activity is to keep subscribers up to date.

Infolep will only process the data we have (names, email addresses) for the purpose of sending you the newsletter. We take your security seriously and will never share your contact details with anyone else.

You can
update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list at any time.

 


 




____________________________________________________________________________

LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << edit...@gmail.com


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Fw: Ref.: (LML) Making a thousand Maltas bloom


 

Leprosy Mailing List –  June 9,  2026

 

Ref.:  (LML) Making a thousand Maltas bloom

From: Joel Almeida, Mumbai, India

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Pieter and colleagues,

Many people in endemic areas have relatively low incomes and some have only few years of schooling. How best to protect their safety?

If we eliminate concentrated viable bacilli from human populations, cluster by cluster, it will benefit everyone. We need to identify all high-shedding cryptic LL cases among asymptomatic contacts in a village or cluster (workplace, marketplace, etc) using non-invasive methods (eg nasal swabs for semi-quantitative mLAMP). Within days, their nasal discharges can be freed from concentrated viable bacilli by starting full anti-microbial treatment. Regular check-ups will help protect their nerves and prevent visible deformity. Once the local cluster has been freed from concentrated viable bacilli (within weeks), periodic mop-up drives will confirm and sustain the success. Cluster by cluster, we can replicate the successes of Weifang (China), Malta, Jordan, Chile and at a rapid pace.

Those visionary leaders who have drawn inspiration from past successes and never given up on the vision of elimination can now find an army of friends and supporters. It is persons with lived experience, who formerly were too often feared, excluded from opportunity, disrespected and ostracized. Armed with barcoded nasal swabs, and mobile phone apps for real-time reporting including georeferences, they can collect nasal swabs for rapid semi-quantitative mLAMP naked eye readouts by health workers, (eg. by colour change or turbidity change to distinguish high-shedding LL from casual carriers of trivial numbers of bacilli). They can comfort any newly diagnosed patients in case of distress. They can periodically test for muscle weakness, during and after treatment, to alert health workers to early signs of “silent” nerve damage. They can encourage uninterrupted and complete treatment, arrange for rehab, liaise with the authorities for social entitlements. Periodic mop-up surveillance would make full use of their abilities. The full participation of persons with lived experience in defeating the disease and enhancing opportunity has been championed by enlightened and far-sighted leaders who have never let the world forget HD. As aides to health workers, with basic training and a stipend, persons with lived experience can become an army of primary health care workers and leaders at the grassroots.

There is no need to sabotage macrophages of infected asymptomatics with short-term chemoprophylaxis that withdraws anti-microbials while concentrated viable bacilli remain available locally. That would be a recipe for continued reinfection, transmission, visible deformity before diagnosis, needless prejudice against family members of newly diagnosed persons, and more new cases in 2030 than in 2025. Sample surveys by independent experts unfortunately consistently find under-reporting.

It is safest to eliminate concentrated viable bacilli from human populations, cluster by cluster: find, treat, end transmission and exclusion.

What do esteemed colleagues advise, in order to make this happen everywhere?

With all sincerity,

Joel Almeida

____________________________________________________________________________

LML - S Deepak, B Naafs, S Noto and P Schreuder

LML blog link: http://leprosymailinglist.blogspot.it/

Contact: Dr Pieter Schreuder << edit...@gmail.com

 


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