title: New strategies for active finding of leprosy cases in the Amazonian region.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The use of the Self-Image Form (SIF) expands the identification of active leprosy cases to neighbors of index cases.
  
  
  METHODS
  The SIF was used to screen two groups: case (neighbors of index cases of leprosy) and control (individuals residing next to houses without leprosy) group. A specialist investigated suspected leprosy cases for disease confirmation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  New cases of leprosy were diagnosed in the case group (n = 7, 8.6%), but not the control group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The new surveillance strategy is inexpensive, efficient, and feasible within a primary health strategy. Future studies can help improve the use of the SIF.
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biomédicas de Cacoal, Cacoal, Rondônia, BR.
authors: Dony Cristioney Castilho de
authors: DC
authors: Campos
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biomédicas de Cacoal, Cacoal, Rondônia, BR.
authors: Ana Paula Barzan
authors: AP
authors: Dutra
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biomédicas de Cacoal, Cacoal, Rondônia, BR.
authors: Vagner Lucas
authors: VL
authors: Suares
authors: Faculdade de Ciências Biomédicas de Cacoal, Cacoal, Rondônia, BR.
authors: Paulo Abner Cardoso de
authors: PA
authors: Carvalho
authors: Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas 5, Universidade de São Paulo, Monte Negro, Rondônia, BR.
authors: Luís Marcelo Aranha
authors: LM
authors: Camargo
mesh_terms: D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D016358:Contact Tracing / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011159:Population Surveillance; D015995:Prevalence