Epidemiological and clinical profile of leprosy patients at a tertiary care center in Moradabad: a retrospective study

Background: Leprosy remains an important public health challenge in India despite achieving elimination status at the national level. Delayed diagnosis contributes to disability, deformity and continued transmission. This study assessed the epidemiological and clinical profile of leprosy patients attending a tertiary care center in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. Methods: A retrospective record-based study was conducted among 186 clinically diagnosed leprosy patients attending the Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a two-year period. Data regarding demographic characteristics, clinical features, nerve involvement, disease classification, bacteriological status, lepra reactions, disability grading, treatment status and outcomes were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Most patients belonged to the 21–40 years age group (43.6%) and were from lower socioeconomic and educational backgrounds. The mean duration of symptoms was 11.8±7.4 months. Peripheral nerve involvement was observed in 78.5% of patients and sensory loss in 90.3%. Multibacillary disease accounted for 59.1% of cases and slit-skin smear positivity was observed in 59.1%. Lepra reactions occurred in 29.0% of patients, predominantly Type I reactions. Grade 0 disability was present in 58.1% of patients, while visible deformities were identified in 17.2%, with claw hand being the most common deformity. Most patients were receiving multidrug therapy and 69.9% demonstrated clinical improvement. Conclusions: The predominance of multibacillary disease, extensive nerve involvement and disability suggests delayed diagnosis and ongoing transmission. Strengthening early case detection, public awareness, surveillance and treatment adherence may reduce disability and improve leprosy control outcomes.