Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Leprosy, a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae and the recently identified M. lepromatosis (Ebenezer; Scollard, 2021; Mehta et al., 2025), remains one of the major infectious causes of peripheral neuropathy and physical disability worldwide (Ebenezer; Scollard, 2021). This work analyzes recent advances in clinical management guidelines, therapeutic and diagnostic strategies for disease control. The fundamental pillar of treatment is based on polychemotherapy (PCT) standardized by the World Health Organization (WHO), combining rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine, according to the classification of paucibacillary (PB) and multibacillary (MB) (Chen et al., 2022). In scenarios of bacterial resistance or drug intolerance, alternative regimens with fluoroquinolones, macrolides, and minocycline have demonstrated relevant efficacy (Mehta et al., 2025). Noteworthy are the implementation of post-exposure chemoprophylaxis with single-dose rifampicin (SDR-PEP) and the development of T-cell subunit vaccines (Huang et al., 2024). Control of disabilities is based on early management of lepra reactions and neuritis, using corticosteroids, thalidomide, and immunomodulators (Mehta et al., 2025). Advanced methods, such as high-resolution ultrasound with Doppler and nerve fiber biopsy, have revolutionized the detection of subclinical neural involvement (Ebenezer; Scollard, 2021; Huang et al., 2024). It is concluded that the consolidation of new pharmacological and prophylactic options is essential to reduce disease burden and prevent irreversible sequelae (Chen et al., 2022; Huang et al., 2024).
Source: Aracê.
DOI: 10.56238/arev8n8-047
Authors: Isabella Zanatta Ribeiro, Wanny Tapajós Jácome, Ingrid da Silva Barreto, Alexandra Borja Mancheno, Erika Marques Bezerra, Danielle da Silveira, Selva Meirelles, Luceime Olivia Nunes, Brigida Maria Goncalves de Melo Brandao, Eduarda Polonio de Oliveira, Antonio da Silva Ribeiro, Lucas de Jesus Farias, André Lucas Nogueira Dantas, Paulo Henrique Dias Lima
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W7202389999