Regarding Classification of Leprosy

International Journal of Leprosy and Other Mycobacterial Diseases, Dec 2004 by Deepak, Sunil

TO THE EDITOR:

I have just read your editorial on classification of leprosy in the June issue of the JOURNAL. It is a very thought-provoking and stimulating article.

Unfortunately it is too true that we are not asking such fundamental questions very often. It becomes much easier to simplify everything in life and then imagine that the simplified representations are the reality.

I do agree with you that simplifying the classification system has been an invaluable tool to reach millions of untreated individuals and to lower prevalence, and it still remains a valid tool for public health. However it should not be confused with our endeavor to understand a disease through scientific research.

Dr. Sunil Deepak, Director

Medical Support Department

AIFO - Italy