Chemotherapy of leprosy.

Surveys the history and chemotherapy of leprosy treatment in India from 600 B.C. to the present day. Describes the development of Promyn and Dapsone and shows dosage and diagnostic tests. Discusses the problems of drug resistance and the use of multi-drug therapy. The action of the drugs rifamicin and chlofamozine is discussed, pointing out the danger of tuberculosis occurring as a complication of this method of treatment. A long period of treatment is still a drawback to successful chemotherapy for leprosy and the search continues for a drug which will be effective within a shorter timespan.