Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and widely prevalent in India. Deformities are the common complications of leprosy. Plantar ulceration is the commonest serious disability in leprosy and they occur in about 10–20% of leprosy patients.

Objectives:  This study was planned to know the pattern and complications of leprosy and to ascertain the socio-demographic profile of Leprosy cases.

Methods: A record based cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in 2019. All the registered cases of Leprosy patients at the Leprosy Clinic, Jesu Ashram, Siliguri, West Bengal, during last 3 years (2016 – 2018) were included in the study, and their relevant records were reviewed using predesigned schedule. Collected data were analyzed using appropriate statistical measures.

Results: There were total 884 cases. Male to female ratio was 2.14:1. Total 1.4% were children. 162 (19.2%) patients gave family history of leprosy, 531 (62.9%) were from rural area. The most common type was Multi-bacillary leprosy 659 (78.1%). Total 695 (82.3%) of the patients had Plantar ulcer deformity and 819 (97%) of the cases had absent nerve sensation. 

Conclusion: Majority of patients had plantar ulcer deformity. It indicates that the patients were not aware of it & not sought the consultation for the same at the earliest. Cases of Multi-bacillary (MB) leprosy are predominant. There is a need of strong follow-up system for defaulters in order to reduce the deformities.

Keywords: Leprosy, Pattern of Leprosy, Deformity, Plantar ulcer.

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Dr Louis Tirkey

Assistant Professor, Community Medicine, North Bengal Medical College

P.O. Sushrutnagar, West Bengal, India, Pin: 734012