Leprosy Mailing List Blog

Thursday, July 2, 2026

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

Leprosy Mailing List – July 3, 2026

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

From: Elizabeth Talatu Williams, Amsterdam, the Netherlands

________________________________________________________________________

Dear colleagues,

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

This month’s featured articles highlight important developments in leprosy elimination, vaccine research, immunotherapy, and long-term disability outcomes. Featured publications include a review calling for accelerated vaccine research and development for skin neglected tropical diseases, and a 20-year comparative study examining long-term disability outcomes in Hansen's disease.

We also include a regional overview of progress towards leprosy elimination in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, reporting key achievements and remaining challenges across countries within the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean.

Venue Update – The 17th Annual NTD NGO Network (NNN) Conference will now take place in Kigali, Rwanda, from 29 September to 1 October 2026. Registrations are currently open— don't miss it!

In addittion, applications are now open for the NNN Travel Award Scheme for Affected Communities, which supports people affected by neglected tropical diseases to attend and participate in the NNN Conference. Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply before July 8, 2026.

Stay tuned to Infolep for more updates, resources, news, and tools that support your work in leprosy.

Warm regards,
Elizabeth Talatu Williams

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

Featured Research Spotlight

Progress towards elimination of leprosy in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Warusavithana S, Osman M, Saleh B, et al. Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal. World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean (WHO/EMRO). 2026; 32 (2): 115 - 124.

Accelerating vaccine research and development for skin neglected tropical diseases: A case for leishmaniasis, leprosy, and Buruli ulcer
Wang H, Novais F, Gómez M, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (6): 1 - 16.

Therapeutic vaccines and adjunctive immunotherapeutic approaches to multidrug therapy for the management of leprosy: A multiaxial review of evidence and trajectory
Ashinze P, Adenekan T, Noze-Otote O, et al. Forum Dermatologicum. VM Media Group sp. z o.o. 2026.

Long-term disability outcomes in Hansen's disease: A 20-year comparative study of Lepromatous vs. Tuberculoid Leprosy
Ma E, Adler B, Armstrong A, et al. PLoS neglected tropical diseases. 2026; 20 (6): 1 - 6.

ILEP Ocular Leprosy Photo Database

We are inviting colleagues across the leprosy field to contribute to the ILEP Ocular Leprosy Photo Database, a global initiative to strengthen training, research, integrated service delivery, and AI-based screening tools for ocular leprosy worldwide.

Submission Guidelines
A guidance document is available including an overview of the database and its objectives, the list of ocular leprosy conditions, naming, instructions for submitting photographs and metadata, and basic guidelines for taking ocular photographs.

How to submit
Please follow the instructions to upload the photo(s) and enter the metadata via the: Ocular Database Submission Form. A google account is required to submit the form.

For technical difficulties or questions, please contact info@infolep.org.

Thank you in advance for your contributions, which will support awareness and prevention of ocular complications in leprosy.

Other New Publications

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

Psychological effects of People Affected by Leprosy (PAL) and social reintegration strategies
Priyanto P, Yulianigsih N. Media Penelitian dan Pengembangan Kesehatan. Politeknik Kesehatan Kemenkes Bandung. 2026; 36 (1): 241-251.

The triple burden of leprosy: A cross-sectional study on stigma, mental health, and quality of life in Egypt
Elesawy FM, Abokersh AA, Abd el-Sattar EM, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (1): 1 - 9.

SIR Model Analysis of Tuberculosis, Leprosy, HIV, Dengue, and COVID-19 Transmission in Madura
Iqbal F, OK Mhd Fahri Al Faruqy MS, Risma Ariyanti . JITCoS: Journal of Information Technology and Computer System. CV. Multimedia Teknologi Kreatif. 2026; 2 (1): 11 - 20.

Regenerating hope: platelet-rich plasma as adjunct therapy for acute neuritis, recurrent nerve damage, and progressive disabilities in leprosy
Singh Chauhan R, Gupta SK, Rana S, et al. Leprosy Review. Lepra. 2026; 97 (2): 1 - 9.

Clinico-sonological study of peripheral nerve involvement in leprosy in a tertiary care medical center, India
Mohan A, MG S, Kunjumani S. Journal of Rare Diseases. Springer Science and Business Media LLC. 2026; 5 (1): 1 - 8.

Measurement of Quality of Life and Social Participation of Persons Affected by Leprosy in the Rehabilitation-in-the-Community Programme in Thailand
Kowit Kampirapap, Siramas Rodchan, Songkran Poopook, et al. Thai Journal of Dermatology. 2026; 30 (4): 207 - 236.

Determinants of Compliance with Lawrence Green Theory-Based Leprosy Treatment in Leprosy Patients in Sarmi Regency, Papua Province
Indasah, Meilani Erna Horota. STRADA: Jurnal Ilmiah Kesehatan. 2026; 15 (1): 11 - 17.

Interleukin 10 gene promoter polymorphism –819 T/C modulates IL-10 levels independently of PGE2 in multibacillary leprosy
Fitriyanti, Lipinwati, Istarini A, et al. Nursing and Health Sciences Journal (NHSJ). KHD Production. 2026; 6 (2): 1 - 14.

The Risk Factors of Leprosy Incidence in Pidie Jaya Regency, Aceh, Indonesia
Farrah Fahdhienie, Frans Yosep Sitepu, Irma Hamisah. Malaysian Journal of Public Health Medicine. 2026; 26 (1): 12 - 20.

Socioeconomic determinants of leprosy in Brazilian municipalities: an ecological study
Golineli A, Belli M, Lourenço G, et al. Anais brasileiros de dermatologia. 2026; 101 (4): 1 – 5

Case Reports

Recurrent uveitis and nodular skin lesions revealing lepromatous leprosy
Chidambaram M, Prasad P, Chandwar K, et al. Tropical doctor. 2026.

Lepromatous leprosy presenting with chronic painless ulcers and inflammatory arthropathy: a case report from a non-endemic setting
Carneiro B, Ferreira A, Rodrigues C, et al. BMC infectious diseases. 2026.

Type 1 Lepra Reaction in a Patient with Uncontrolled Diabetes Mellitus – A Challenging Case Managed Successfully with Methotrexate
Ananditha K, Gopal K, Sanapala AK, et al. Clinical Dermatology Review. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2026.

Prurigo Nodularis in Lepromatous Leprosy: A Manifestation of Neuropathic Pruritus and Denervation Dermatopathy
Sharma A, Chatterjee D, Narang T. Indian Dermatology Online Journal. Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health). 2026.

M. leprae, M. lepromatosis, and Leprosy: Surprises and Surmises
Scollard DM. The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. 2026; 114 (6): 997-998.

Necrotic Steroid-Dependent Erythema Nodosum Leprosum Mimicking Vasculitis in Multibacillary Leprosy with Negative Bacilloscopy: A Diagnostic Challenge
Saputra A, Amin S, Zainuddin A, et al. International journal of infectious diseases: IJID: official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases. 2026.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin NO. 131, June 2026

Leprosy Mailing List – July 1, 2026

Ref.: (LML) WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin NO. 131, June 2026

From: Takahiro NANRI, Tokyo, Japan

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Dr. Schreuder and Friends,

Warm greetings from Sasakawa Health Foundation/ Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative in Tokyo.

We have issued WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin NO.131 June 2026 "The last mile starts now." In this issue, we feature:

MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR
At this year’s World Health Assembly, WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in his opening address on May 19: “I would also like to recognize the leadership of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, who is celebrating 25 years as a WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination- ... Read More

INTERVIEW
Reflections on 25 years of taking action as the WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination

This year is the 25th anniversary of Yohei Sasakawa’s appointment as WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination. To mark the anniversary, Dr. Takahiro Nanri, President of the Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen’s Disease) Initiative, interviewed Mr. Sasakawa in Tokyo on May 28, 2026. Read more

VIEWPOINT
Advocacy and strategic litigation for eliminating discrimination in law: Lessons from India

Nikita Sarah, Head of Advocacy and Communication, The Leprosy Mission Trust India (TLMTI)

For decades, laws in India described leprosy as an “incurable” and “virulent” disease. These fear-laden words and discriminatory provisions institutionalized discrimination by permitting leprosy to be used as a ground for divorce, restricting participation in public life, … Read more

AMBASSADOR'S JOURNAL
Goodwill Ambassador visits Indonesia and attends 79th World Health Assembly

On April 29, 2026, WHO Ambassador for Leprosy Elimination Yohei Sasakawa visited Indonesia as part of the preparation process for the country’s first national conference on leprosy. Read more

REPORT

Africa Leprosy Conference: Working-level meeting on leprosy elimination

The WHO African Region has made progress in eliminating leprosy (Hansen’s disease) as a public health problem in almost all member states. However, the Region still has pockets of on-going transmission and continues to carry a significant burden of the disease. Read more

REPORT
High-Level National Conference on Hansen’s Disease in Brazil

A three-day high-level national conference on the theme of intensifying efforts to rid Brazil of Hansen’s disease took place in Rio de Janeiro, March 12–14, 2026. Read more

OBITUARY

In memory of Indonesian advocate Rahmawati

With deep sorrow, we announce the passing of Rahmawati on March 7, 2026, at the age of 36. She has been laid to rest at Kalelempae Public Cemetery, Gowa Regency, South Sulawesi, Indonesia. Read more

BACK ISSUES

We hope that you would enjoy reading the latest Leprosy Bulletin.

Takahiro NANRI, Ph.D.
President, Sasakawa Health Foundation

*********************************************************
Sasakawa Leprosy (Hansen's Disease) Initiative
Sasakawa Health Foundation
Tel：81-3-6229-5377, Fax：81-33-6229-5388
email: hansen@shf.or.jp

____________________________________________________________________________

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

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

Contact: Dr Pieter

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Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List – 23 June, 2026

Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

From: Joel Almeida, Mumbai, India

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Pieter and colleagues,

Thanks to Dr. Isabela Goulart for a thought-provoking contribution (LML 19 June 2026).

Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

The questions can be discussed further by the many learned colleagues here.
Would it be disrespectful of me to focus on this specific aspect:

"What direct biological evidence supports the assertion that epidemiologically relevant transmission is interrupted after the first dose of MDT?"

MDT continues beyond the first dose, so complete sterilisation by the first dose is not required. The inclusion of "epidemiologically relevant" is helpful in terms of focusing on what is most important. Would it be wrong to ask, for practical purposes, whether anti-microbials are capable of interrupting transmission in a geographical area?

The answer is: Yes. Malta demonstrated this. (1) Weifang (China) also illustrated what is possible with reliable diagnosis and prolonged protection against reinfection. (2)

Dr. Ben Naafs disclosed earlier that in Malta the late Dr. Leiker identified M. leprae (or at least AFB, acid fast bacilli) in the scrotum of a patient, despite the epidemiologically relevant elimination of transmission. If that person is still alive, the M. leprae (or AFB) might still be lurking in their scrotum. That is not necessarily epidemiologically relevant.

If every autopsy in an endemic area attempted to rule out the presence of M. leprae components, or even viability, the prevalence might approach the frequency of the positive lymphocyte transformation test for subclinical infection. (3) Extremely frequent, often >24% and in some subsets of the local population even >50%.

None of that is necessarily important for epidemiologically relevant transmission.

Is it wrong to look for concentrated viable bacilli across a village or neighbourhood and hit the bacilli hard and long? Or to do this simultaneously across a human cluster so that the risk of reinfection of polar LL after withdrawal of anti-microbials is greatly reduced? (e.g. nasal swabs from ALL asymptomatics for semi-quantitative mLAMP to distinguish high-shedding cryptic LL from transient carriers of trivial numbers of bacilli, followed by full treatment of all clinical cases and all cryptic LL high-shedders, backed by regular check-ups to preserve nerve function). Why not do this in parallel or in sequence across an endemic area, with periodic mop-up rounds?

Together with steady socio-economic improvements that uphold natural macrophage defences and minimise contact with concentrated viable bacilli in the environment, is there a quicker way to eliminate concentrated viable bacilli from the human population? Find, treat, end.

The inclusion of the word "concentrated" is critical in this context. We might miss some bacilli, but that is not necessarily epidemiologically relevant.

For the individual patient, the calculations are not necessarily identical. They want freedom from all signs of disease, all sequelae, all prejudice, all suffering, all unemployment, all hunger, all destitution (and to enjoy prosperity if possible). We try to assist as best we can given the current state of scientific knowledge and the resources available.

Is there no merit in simply eliminating concentrated viable bacilli rapidly from human populations? Like turning off at source an important cause of harm. Few if any persons in Malta (or Weifang, Chile, Jordan) have reason now to worry about the M. leprae complex and its potentially devastating consequences. Why not do our best to make that happen everywhere?

Esteemed colleagues will have even more insights. Apologies for the focus on "epidemiologically relevant transmission". The topic illustrates how valuable this group is for informed discussion by experts such as Dr. Isabela Goulart.

With all sincerity,

Joel Almeida

References

1. Jacobson RR, Gatt P. Can leprosy be eradicated with chemotherapy? An evaluation of the Malta Leprosy Eradication Project. Lepr Rev 2008; 79(4):410-5

2. Li HY, Weng XM, Li T et al. Long-Term Effect of Leprosy Control in Two Prefectures of China, 1955-1993. Int J Lepr 1995 Jun;63(2):213-221.

3. Godal T, Negassi K (1973). Subclinical infection in leprosy. Br Med J. 3 (5880): 557-559
____________________________________________________________________________

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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Friday, June 19, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List – June 19, 2026

Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

From: Isabela Goulart, Uberländia, Brazil

____________________________________________________________________________

Dear Editor,

Please find attached a discussion paper entitled:

"Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission: Reflections on the Study by Neumann et al. (2022)."

This discussion paper was prepared in response to the findings reported by Neumann et al. regarding the heterogeneous persistence of molecular markers of Mycobacterium leprae viability during multidrug therapy in multibacillary patients.

The discussion explores some conceptual and biological implications of these findings and raises questions regarding the relationships among bacillary viability, infectivity, and epidemiologically relevant transmission in leprosy.

We hope it may stimulate discussion among members of the Leprosy Mailing List and would greatly appreciate comments and perspectives from colleagues.

Kind regards,

Dr. Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart
on behalf of the authors

Dr Isabela Maria Bernardes Goulart, MD, PhD
Full Professor – School of Medicine - Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU)
Coordinator and Head of the National Reference Center for Sanitary Dermatology and Hansenology

Clinical Hospital - EBSERH - UFU, Uberlândia/MG, Brasil
credesh.hc-ufu@ebserh.gov.br; isabela.goulart@ebserh.gov.br; imbgoulart@ufu.br; imbgoulart@gmail.com
Phone: +55 (34) 3218-2828 ramal 5569

____________________________________________________________________________

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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Leprosy Mailing List Blog

Pages

Thursday, July 2, 2026

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

Wednesday, July 1, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) WHO Goodwill Ambassador's Leprosy Bulletin NO. 131, June 2026

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

Friday, June 19, 2026

Fw: Ref.: (LML) Discussion Paper: Revisiting Bacillary Persistence, Viability, and Transmission in Leprosy

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