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Table 1 The WHO diagnostic features for leprosy

From: A case of leprosy in Malawi. Making the final push towards eradication: a clinical and public health perspective

World Health Organisation operational diagnostic criteria for leprosy

 

1. Skin lesion consistent with leprosy and with definite sensory loss, with or without thickened nerves

 

2. Positive skin smears

 
  1. In an endemic country or area, an individual should be regarded as having leprosy if he or she shown ONE of the above cardinal signs. Only in rare instances is there a need to use laboratory and other investigations to confirm a diagnosis. Adapted from WHO [5]
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Infectious Diseases of Poverty

ISSN: 2049-9957

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