Leprosy in Iran: an analysis of 195 cases from 1994-2009

Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of Leprosy in Azerbaijan, Iran.Methods: A total of 195 new leprosy cases referred to and registered in Bababaghi Center, Azerbaijan, Northwest of Iran from 1994-2009 were studied.Results: Of the 195 new cases, 131 (67/2%) were males and 64 (32/8%) females. They were born in Azerbaijan with the peak age of the disease at their fourth decade. The most common form of the disease, especially in male patients, was lepromatous leprosy. Skin problems, especially eyebrow hair loss, constituted the most frequent sign of the disease. The most involved nerve was ulnar nerve.Conclusion: Although, leprosy is a rare disease in Iran it is still encountered. It is important for the physicians to be aware of its diagnosis when they see a patient with chronic dermatitis and peripheral nerve involvement.