Cojedes: a leprosy hyperendemic state

Abstract

This study confirms that several communities in Cojedes State have extremely high leprosy rates.

Serologic follow-up of IgG responses against recombinant mycobacterial proteins ML0405, ML2331 and LID-1 in a leprosy hyperendemic area in Venezuela

“…Hyperendemic areas were kept under permanent surveillance and 63 new cases were detected in 2009 through active house-to-house searches for case activities. Similar trends were also observed in other communities (Aranzazu et al 2012). In this study, we identified new leprosy cases within hyper-endemic areas in the central plains of Venezuela using ELISA with recombinant mycobacterial proteins ML0405, ML2331 and LID-1.…”

“…This test can easily be performed by the community nurse, which permits an early diagnosis for patients with corresponding benefits. Analysis of the antigen-specific antibody responses of leprosy patients in Mamaría confirmed a differential antibody response between MB and PB patients and similar results have been found in other Venezuelan communities (Duthie et al 2011, Aranzazu et al 2012. The antibody response was elevated in MB patients, which correlated with increased bacterial loads.…”

“…It has therefore become increasingly important to identify specific molecular markers that enable an early diagnosis, which results in timely treatment that can potentially interrupt transmission. Although the WHO's goal of elimination was reached in Venezuela 15 years ago (MPPE/IPASME 2010, MSDS 2010), hyperendemic communities remain in the country (Aranzazu et al 2012). To discover the reason for the continued high prevalence in communities such as Mamaría, it would be useful to identify the actual prevalence in these areas.…”

Multiple Annular Erythematous Lesions on 4 Limbs

“…1 Similarly, in China, new sporadic indigenous cases are successively reported throughout most of the provinces, especially in the economically underdeveloped regions. In 1997, Venezuela reached the goal of elimination of leprosy as a public health problem.…”

Die zukünftige Geschichte der Lepra

“…Heute, über 140 Jahre nach Entdeckung des Bakteriums und 40 Jahre nach der durch das Deutsche Aussätzigen-Hilfswerk geförderten Einführung der ersten "Multidrug-Therapy" (MDT) durch Freerksen [5,6], ähnelt die Verteilung neuer Fälle in aktuellen Endemiegebieten der Situation in Europa zur Zeit Hansens: Zwischen Regionen mit zurückgehenden Inzidenzdaten persistieren Enklaven mit hoher Durchseuchung und Prävalenz [7,8]. Andererseits läuft weltweit die Entwicklung, die einst in Mitteleuropa der Lepra ihren Schrecken genommen hat, weiter [9,10].…”