Evaluation of Clinical and Laboratory Factors Associated with Therapeutic Failure in Leprosy Cases Treated at HCFMRP-USP

• Grant number: 24/23023-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: March 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Marco Andrey Cipriani Frade
• Grantee: Guilherme Paiva Valeriote
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto (FMRP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Ribeirão Preto , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Leprosy, a chronic infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae and M. lepromatosis, exhibits a wide range of clinical manifestations primarily affecting peripheral nerves and skin. Despite standard treatment with World Health Organization (WHO) multidrug therapy (MDT), the incidence of drug resistance is increasing, with Brazil reporting high relapse rates. In 2017, 1734 cases of relapses were reported, approximately 7% of new cases, among which were drug resistances to MDT, leading the Ministry of Health to implement the Drug Resistance Surveillance Network in Brazil since 2018. This study aims to evaluate the clinical and laboratory factors associated with therapeutic failure in leprosy patients treated at HCFMRP-USP, focusing on antimicrobial resistance. Medical records of 239 patients will be analyzed, considering the presence of resistance genes and their correlation with clinical outcomes. Early identification of resistance may facilitate the development of more effective therapeutic interventions, contributing to improved management of leprosy and reduction of complications.