Search

Sowda skin lesions are of medical and social importance in Yemen. Ivermectin (Mectizan) chose as a control strategy plan in onchocerciasis is active during 3 months for the less on clinical and histological data. After a short increase of itching and oedematous skin aspects clinical signs decrease. Some patients notice an itching rebound after 90 days. Histologically, localized ingratiates, presence of mononuclear cells and melenin loaded histiocytes and eosinophils decreased. The rythm cure has to be studied on a longer period but 3 to 6 months repetition between oral treatment with 200 micrograms/kg dose during two years could be effective.

A review of the case files of 194 leprosy patients registered at a representative skin and venereal diseases out-patient clinic was done to assess the epidemiological and clinical patterns of the disease in Yemen. Almost all patients came from the poorer social groups and there was clustering of patients around some families. About 55% of the patients were aged 20 to 39 years and about 35% were aged over 40 years at the time of detection. Males were affected about three times as females; in males MB cases occurred about twice as often as PB cases and 12% of the cases presented as pure neuritic leprosy. Reactions were noticed in 39 cases (20%), six having type 1 and 27 having type 2 reaction. Bacterial index (BI) among 123 positive cases ranged from 0.1 to 6, about 70% of these cases showing mean BI of more than 2.0. Patients' response to treatment (MDT) was very good and BI decreased by about 1.55 (+/-0.05) logs per year. About 50% of the patients had some disability (14% grade 1), and the disability rate among PB cases was about 70%. Our findings indicate the need for earlier diagnosis and better disability preventive measures.

The prevalence of anti-HCV was determined in 1,309 leprosy patients and a control group of 1,469 subjects from 6 sub-Saharan African countries and the Yemen. Sera found positive by an initial second generation ELISA were subjected to 3 additional confirmatory tests. The anti-HCV prevalence in leprosy patients (7.1%) was significantly higher than in the control group (2.6%). HCV seroprevalence increased with age in both the control and leprosy groups. No statistically significant difference could be found between anti-HCV prevalence and the several clinical forms of leprosy among patients. The results of this study indicate a high degree of exposure or chronic carriage of hepatitis C among leprosy patients. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.