Indian Journal of Medical Research, Vol. 112, Pgs 52-55
India records the largest number of leprosy cases in the world with 62% of the patients living in this country. Delhi is fast becoming the 'leprosy capital' too.
According to the results of a study conducted by scientists from the Schieffelin Leprosy Research and Training Centre in Andhra Pradesh, leprosy infected beggars are becoming a major source of transmission of the disease. Since Delhi gets a big chunk of immigrant population as beggars, this problem may soon assume huge proportions.
The scientists felt that beggars were hidden sources of transmission of the bacteria; though the condition becomes non-infective by itself after some time, some beggars are still not past the "danger period". The Deputy Director General of Leprosy Health Services said, "rehabilitation schemes do not reach all needy leprosy patients and surveillance facilities are missing at the grassroots", which may be a reason for the increasing incidence of the disease.
The study emphasises the need to screen all beggars and their contacts regularly to keep a track of the spread of the disease and to motivate them to start treatment. "The hidden reservoir should be completely eliminated", the study concludes.
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