Correlation Between Bacterial Index and Grade of Disability Amongst Leprosy Patients : A Single Center Retrospetive Study

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy occurs due to primary M. leprae infection that attacks the peripheral nerves. Limited resources directly links the bacterial index (BI) with the grading of disability in leprosy patients in Indonesia, even though the problem disability greatly affects the quality of life of patients. Methods: A cross-sectional retrospective study approach was conducted. A total sampling technique was performed from medical records of patients with a diagnosis of PB or MB leprosy, accompanied by grade 0, 1, or 2 disability. Correlation analsis test was performed to determine the correlation between BI and grade of disability in leprosy patients. Results: Significant results were obtained in 5 out of 9 groups : (a) hand group in PB+MB leprosy (p value: 0.047); (b) foot group in PB+MB leprosy (p value : 0.002); (c) foot group in PB leprosy (p value : 0.000); (d) hand group in MB leprosy (p value : 0.021); and (e) foot group in MB leprosy (p value : 0.006). Concusion: Positive correlations between BI and grade of disability was found in 56% of the analysis groups.