Leprosy
Mailing List – February 7th,
2010
Ref.:
Alternative
Antibiotic Regimens for Leprosy
From: R
Ganapati,
Mumbai
,
India
Dear
Dr Noto,
Though
some interesting views have been exchanged on reactions following MDT
and the role of clofazimine etc in response to the question on the
above subject by Dr Leon Gilead of
Jerusalem
(LML-January 19th, 2010) no results of studies on
alternative regimens are referred to.
Combinations
based on Moxifloxacin, the most powerful anti-bacterial agent against
M leprae have been
recommended by recognized authorities:
1.
Pre Congress Workshop of the 17th
International Leprosy Congress,
Hyderabad
in 2008 and;
2.
WHO Technical advisory Group Report of the Ninth meeting on Leprosy
Control in 2008
We
reported our preliminary observations on a limited sample of 54
patients treated with monthly supervised doses of moxifloxacin,
rifampicin and minocycline (Ganapati R, Pai VV, Khanolkar S and
Shinde M, Revista de Leprologia, 27, 49-55, 2009). Remarkable
clinical regression demonstrable within 2 to 3 months was noticed in
all types of leprosy.
On-going
and unpublished studies on 98 leprosy cases treated
with the same regimen ie. moxifoxacin, rifampicin and minocycline followed
for periods ranging from 6 to
18 months indicate that about 28% of BB, BL and LL patients had
reactions. Trials using
clofazimine as a component of the this regimen are in progress.
With
regards,
Dr
R Ganapati,
Director
Emeritus,
Bombay
Leprosy Project
