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The Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) programme : update and interim analysis

Steinmann, P. and Cavaliero, A. and Aerts, A. and Anand, S. and Arif, M. and Sao Ay, S. and Maung Aye, T. and Barth-Jaeggi, T. and Banstola, N. L. and Bhandari, C. and Blaney, D. and Bonenberger, M. and Van Brakel, W. and Cross, H. and Das, V. K. and Fahrudda, A. and Fernando, N. and Gani, Z. and Greter, H. and Ignotti, E. and Kamara, D. and Kasang, C. and Kömm, B. and Kumar, A. and Lay, S. and Mieras, L. and Mirza, F. and Mutayoba, B. and Njako, B. and Pakasi, T. and Saunderson, P. and Shengelia, B. and Smith, C. S. and Stäheli, R. and Suriyarachchi, N. and Shwe, T. and Tiwari, A. and Wijesinghe, M. S. and Van Berkel, J. and Plaetse, B. V. and Virmond, M. and Hendrik Richardus, J.. (2018) The Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) programme : update and interim analysis. Leprosy review, 89 (2). pp. 102-116.

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Abstract

Innovative approaches are required to further enhance leprosy control, reduce the number of people developing leprosy, and curb transmission. Early case detection, contact screening, and chemoprophylaxis currently is the most promising approach to achieve this goal. The Leprosy Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (LPEP) programme generates evidence on the feasibility of integrating contact tracing and single-dose rifampicin (SDR) administration into routine leprosy control activities in different settings. The LPEP programme is implemented within the leprosy control programmes of Brazil, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Tanzania. Focus is on three key interventions: tracing the contacts of newly diagnosed leprosy patients; screening the contacts for leprosy; and administering SDR to eligible contacts. Country-specific protocol adaptations refer to contact definition, minimal age for SDR, and staff involved. Central coordination, detailed documentation and rigorous supervision ensure quality evidence. Around 2 years of field work had been completed in seven countries by July 2017. The 5,941 enrolled index patients (89·4% of the registered) identified a total of 123,311 contacts, of which 99·1% were traced and screened. Among them, 406 new leprosy patients were identified (329/100,000), and 10,883 (8·9%) were excluded from SDR for various reasons. Also, 785 contacts (0·7%) refused the prophylactic treatment with SDR. Overall, SDR was administered to 89·0% of the listed contacts. Post-exposure prophylaxis with SDR is safe; can be integrated into the routines of different leprosy control programmes; and is generally well accepted by index patients, their contacts and the health workforce. The programme has also invigorated local leprosy control.
Faculties and Departments:09 Associated Institutions > Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) > Department of Swiss Centre for International Health (SCIH) > Systems Strengthening and Health Promotion (Prytherch)
UniBasel Contributors:Steinmann, Peter and Barth-Jaeggi, Tanja
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Further Journal Contribution
Publisher:LEPRA
ISSN:0305-7518
e-ISSN:2162-8807
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal item
Language:English
Identification Number:
edoc DOI:
Last Modified:17 Oct 2023 12:34
Deposited On:04 Mar 2019 10:36

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