Leprosy classification for use in control programs.

Some classifications of Leprosy currently in use are reviewed and the difficulties of their application in field work are analysed. While it is recognized the scientific value of these classifications in order to identify precisely the clinical, bacteriological, histological and immunological aspects of the disease, an alternative simplified classification is suggested, to be used in control programmes. In this classification clinical forms that require the same public health action are put together. Thus, clinical forms are reduced to three basic groups. The clinical and laboratory criteria which define each group are presented, as well as the correlation between this simplified classification and the classic one.