Under the National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP), a patient with leprosy having more than 5 skin lesions, positive slit skin smear, and skin biopsy showing bacilli in nerves is classified as:

• A Paucibacillary (PB) leprosy — treat with 6-month MDT
• B Multibacillary (MB) leprosy — treat with 12-month MDT ✓
• C Borderline leprosy — treat with 6-month MDT
• D Single lesion paucibacillary — treat with single dose ROM

Explanation

Under NLEP/WHO classification, more than 5 skin lesions OR a positive slit skin smear classifies a patient as multibacillary (MB) leprosy, treated with 12-month WHO MDT (Rifampicin + Clofazimine + Dapsone daily + supervised monthly pulses). Single lesion PB uses ROM (single-dose Rifampicin-Ofloxacin-Minocycline). The new single-dose regimen for PB with 2-5 lesions is under evaluation.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.