Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical (Aug 2015)

New strategies for active finding of leprosy cases in the Amazonian region

  • Dony Cristioney Castilho de Campos,
  • Ana Paula Barzan Dutra,
  • Vagner Lucas Suares,
  • Paulo Abner Cardoso de Carvalho,
  • Luís Marcelo Aranha Camargo

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1590/0037-8682-0015-2015
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 48, no. 4
pp. 488 – 490

Abstract

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AbstractINTRODUCTION: The use of the Self-Image Form (SIF) expands the identification of active leprosy cases to neighbors of index cases.METHODS: The SIF was used to screen two groups: case (neighbors of index cases of leprosy) and control (individuals residing next to houses without leprosy) group. A specialist investigated suspected leprosy cases for disease confirmation.RESULTS: New cases of leprosy were diagnosed in the case group (n = 7, 8.6%), but not the control group.CONCLUSIONS: The new surveillance strategy is inexpensive, efficient, and feasible within a primary health strategy. Future studies can help improve the use of the SIF.

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