Potential approaches for the diagnosis and treatment of drug-resistant leprosy

Abstract

Leprosy, a chronic human disease with potentially debilitating neurological consequences, results from infection with Mycobacterium leprae, which is still a major health problem in several countries of Asia, Latin America, and Africa. With the mass campaigns, using multidrug therapy, the prevalence of leprosy has come down drastically worldwide. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important consideration in the management of leprosy. Unfortunately, quinolone-resistant strains of Mycobacterium leprae have also been reported in several countries, probably due to the extensive use of quinolones for treating several types of infections. To meet the challenge of containing the disease and being able to respond to an increase in circulation of drug-resistant strains, it is essential to assess drug-sensitivity patterns globally, as well as to monitor resistance among both new and retreatment cases. However, these studies highlight the need for increased vigilance to AMR. In this study, we thoroughly reviewed the molecular methods used to detect drug resistance in leprosy. We can infer that our article assessing strategies less complex than multifunction peripheral and genome sequencing are promising choices for the testing of AMR in leprosy patients. Furthermore, our analysis recommends that the extent of safe cases has not essentially expanded in late many years.