01907nas a2200217   4500000000100000008004100001653001200042653001000054653001900064653002600083653001300109100001600122700001400138700001400152700001400166245006600180856007700246300001200323490000600335520134800341       2017                            d10aleprosy10aIndia10aHistopathology10aClinical presentation10aChildren1 aKumaravel S1 aMurugan S1 aFathima S1 aAnandan H00aClinical presentation and histopathology of childhood leprosy  uhttp://www.ijss-sn.com/uploads/2/0/1/5/20153321/ijss_feb_oa36_-_2017.pdf  a167-1690 v43 a<p><strong>Background: </strong>Leprosy is one of the oldest diseases of mankind. It is well-documented in children with an incidence of 13.3%, as immune system is not fully developed. 75% of cases regress spontaneously without treatment.<br />
<strong>Aim: </strong>To study incidence, duration, spectrum, reactions, deformity, slit skin smear (SSS) and skin, and nerve biopsy in childhood leprosy.<br />
<strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Leprosy cases from 0 to 14 years age who attended Department of Dermatology and Leprosy of Government General Hospital, Chennai, were collected for 2 years (study period).<br />
<strong>Results: </strong>During the study period of 2 years, total numbers of childhood leprosy cases were 46. Most number of cases was seen in 10-14 years age group - 36 cases (78.3%). Most common spectrum is borderline tuberculoid 27 cases (58.7%). Percentage of cases in household contact was 19.6%. Type 1 reaction was seen in 3 children. Type 2 reaction was not seen. The deformity was seen in 5 children. SSS was positive in only 4, all of them were borderline leprosy cases.<br />
<strong>Conclusion: </strong>Leprosy still occurs in children in sizable and constant proportion, even though the prevalence rate has reduced below one per thousand and we are in the run for total eradication of leprosy.</p>