The potential role of artificial intelligence in the clinical management of Hansen's disease (leprosy).

Journal: Frontiers in medicine

Volume: 11

Issue: 

Year of Publication: 

Affiliated Institutions:  Department of Social Medicine, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil. Department of Tropical Medicine, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States. Department of Radiology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract summary 

Missed and delayed diagnoses of Hansen's disease (HD) are making the battle against it even more complex, increasing its transmission and significantly impacting those affected and their families. This strains public health systems and raises the risk of lifelong impairments and disabilities. Worryingly, the three countries most affected by HD witnessed a growth in new cases in 2022, jeopardizing the World Health Organization's targets to interrupt transmission. Artificial intelligence (AI) can help address these challenges by offering the potential for rapid case detection, customized treatment, and solutions for accessibility challenges-especially in regions with a shortage of trained healthcare professionals. This perspective article explores how AI can significantly impact the clinical management of HD, focusing on therapeutic strategies. AI can help classify cases, ensure multidrug therapy compliance, monitor geographical treatment coverage, and detect adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. In addition, AI can assist in the early detection of nerve damage, which aids in disability prevention and planning rehabilitation. Incorporating AI into mental health counseling is also a promising contribution to combating the stigma associated with HD. By revolutionizing therapeutic approaches, AI offers a holistic solution to reduce the burden of HD and improve patient outcomes.

Authors & Co-authors:  Deps Yotsu Furriel de Oliveira de Lima Loureiro

Study Outcome 

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Statistics
Citations :  Deps P, Collin SM, de Andrade VLG. Hansen’s disease case detection in Brazil: a backlog of undiagnosed cases due to COVID-19 pandemic. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. (2022) 36:e754–5. doi: 10.1111/jdv.18307, PMID:
Authors :  6
Identifiers
Doi : 1338598
SSN : 2296-858X
Study Population
Male,Female
Mesh Terms
Other Terms
Hansen’s disease;artificial intelligence;digital health;leprosy;skin neglected tropical diseases
Study Design
Study Approach
Country of Study
Publication Country
Switzerland