Prevalence of Leprosy in Gudiyatham Taluk,4

The prevalence of leprosy varies between continents. Likewise, countries within a continent have differing rates of prevalence of leprosy (15). Even countries in which leprosy is endemic may demonstrate variations in leprosy prevalence from one state to another, and even from one district to another within the same state (13 . 14 ._ 15). The reasons for these variations have not been fully explained. The relationships existing between the type of leprosy and the total prevalence also have not been conclusive. Further studies, therefore, appear to be necessary to document the existence of the variations and to study the relationships between known demographic and geographic factors as related to leprosy. A previous paper described the specific rates of leprosy with reference to age, sex and type (8). In this paper the geographical variations observed within one taluk in a district are described and discussed with specific reference to the type of leprosy and certain demographic factors .