Should prophylaxis against Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia be considered in selected patients with leprosy reactions?

Abstract

Abstract Leprosy reactions often require prolonged high-dose steroids or immunosuppressive drugs, putting patients at risk of Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP). However, no PJP cases are reported, possibly due to dapsone treatment for leprosy. In patients with leprosy reactions not receiving dapsone because of toxicity or resistance and requiring long-term immunosuppression, PJP prophylaxis should be considered.

Keywords

• Leprosy
• Immunosuppression
• PJP prophylaxis
• Leprosy reactions
• Dapsone