Moet et al identified risk factors for developing leprosy after contact with an index patient. This can help identify people in the community who may benefit from closer monitoring. The authors are from the University of Rotterdam, Royal Tropical Institute in Amsterdam, and the Danish Bangladesh Leprosy Mission.
Risk factors for developing leprosy depends on:
(1) age of the subject
(2) type of leprosy in the index patient
(3) physical distance between the subject and the index patient
(4) genetic distance (blood relative) between the subject and the index patient
The risk associated with age shows a bimodal pattern. Ages associated with increased risk:
(1) 10-19 years of age
(2) >= 30 years of age
Types of leprosy with greater risk of transmission:
(1) paucibacillary leprosy with 2-5 lesions
(2) multibacillary leprosy
Physical distance groups at risk:
(1) household member (sharing roof and kitchen)
(2) next door neighbor
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