Alternative Antibiotic Regimens for Leprosy

Leprosy Mailing List – February 7^th, 2010

Ref.: Alternative Antibiotic Regimens for Leprosy
From: R Ganapati, Mumbai , India

---

Dear Dr Noto,

Though some interesting views have been exchanged on reactions following MDT and the role of clofazimine etc in response to the question on the above subject by Dr Leon Gilead of Jerusalem (LML-January 19^th, 2010) no results of studies on alternative regimens are referred to.

Combinations based on Moxifloxacin, the most powerful anti-bacterial agent against M leprae have been recommended by recognized authorities:

1.

Pre Congress Workshop of the 17^th International Leprosy Congress, Hyderabad in 2008 and;

2.
WHO Technical advisory Group Report of the Ninth meeting on Leprosy Control in 2008

We reported our preliminary observations on a limited sample of 54 patients treated with monthly supervised doses of moxifloxacin, rifampicin and minocycline (Ganapati R, Pai VV, Khanolkar S and Shinde M, Revista de Leprologia, 27, 49-55, 2009). Remarkable clinical regression demonstrable within 2 to 3 months was noticed in all types of leprosy.

On-going and unpublished studies on 98 leprosy cases treated with the same regimen ie. moxifoxacin, rifampicin and minocycline followed for periods ranging from 6 to 18 months indicate that about 28% of BB, BL and LL patients had reactions. Trials using clofazimine as a component of the this regimen are in progress.

With regards,

Dr R Ganapati,

Director Emeritus, Bombay Leprosy Project