Leprosy 1 (april.2014) | Page 13

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1950s: Dapsone pills, was a succesful treatment, but M. leprae became resistant to the drug.

1970s:The first successful multi-drug treatment (MDT) was developed.

1981:The World Health Organization began recommending MDT, a combination of : dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine. Takes from six months to a year or even more, depending on strength of leprosy infection.

NOW:MDT with a combination of dapsone, rifampicin, and clofazimine is still the best treatment for preventing nerve damage, deformity, disability and further transmission.