Trends in leprosy case detection in Rwanda, 1995–2011: analysis of 17 years of laboratory data

Abstract

BackgroundLeprosy, or Hansen’s disease, is a chronic, infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It remains one of the leading causes of deformity and physical disability.ObjectiveWe analysed laboratory records to assess trends in prevalence rates and case detection rates (CDRs) in Rwanda.MethodsA retrospective review of detected leprosy cases from the records of the Rwanda National Reference Laboratory over a 17-year period (1995–2011) was conducted. Skin biopsy samples were analysed microscopically using Ziehl-Neelsen staining technique to identify M. leprae.ResultsCumulatively, 266 suspected cases were reported between 1995 and 2011. Of the suspected cases, 77 (28.9%) were laboratory confirmed as having leprosy. Among detected cases, 59 (76.6%) were men and 18 (23.4%) women. The male:female ratio was 3:1. There were 77 registered leprosy cases over the 17-year period of the study, and the prevalence rate was 0.005 per 10 000 population. A gradual decrease in the prevalence rate was observed from 0.015 per 10 000 population in 2003 to 0.003 per 10 000 population in 2010. From 1995 to 2011, the CDR did not exceed one per 10 000 population.ConclusionThis laboratory review demonstrates a declining trend in prevalence rates and CDR during the period of the study. Early case detection and a sustainable leprosy control programme remain the cornerstones of reducing the physical and socio-economic burden of leprosy in Rwanda.

Geographical distribution and prevalence of podoconiosis in Rwanda: a cross-sectional country-wide survey

“…The cause of loss of sensation in our study could be diabetic neuropathy, which is common among patients with diabetes in Rwanda 31 . However, we cannot exclude undiagnosed leprosy 32 …”

Epidemiological characteristics of leprosy from 2000 to 2019 in a state with low endemicity in southern Brazil

“… 13 , 14 A study was carried out in Rwanda, Central Africa, with a smaller number of cases (77 patients), which showed that 75% of the patients were male. 15 However, other authors found a predominance of females in their analysis, 16 , 17 , 18 indicating that there is sex variation according to time and place. Regarding age groups, there was a prevalence of cases between 30 and 60 years (59.2% of cases), which constitute the economically active age groups.…”

Honing in on disease etiology

“…Good testing is essential for optimal patient management, particularly in resource-limited settings, and also informs surveillance. As Uwimana et al 5 report, under 30% of all leprosy cases in Rwanda within the 17-year period between 1995 and 2011 were verified by laboratory results. The good news from that article is that leprosy detection rates are dropping – a testament to improved surveillance – and that laboratory verification of cases is becoming more frequent.…”