Natural tetanus immunity in lepromatous leprosy patients.
35 lepromatous leprosy patients with recurrent trophic ulcers were analysed for tetanus antitoxin levels by passive haemagglutination test (PHA). 42.85% patients and 32% controls had protective levels of antitoxin in their serum (greater than or equal to 0.1). All the patients (100%) demonstrated measurable antitoxin levels. The findings indicate immunological protection from tetanus and support the clinical impression of it's rarity in leprosy patients.
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D006386:Hemagglutination Tests; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007918:Leprosy / Q000150:complications / Q000276:immunology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012883:Skin Ulcer / Q000150:complications; D013742:Tetanus / Q000276:immunology*; D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin / Q000032:analysis
D013743:Tetanus Antitoxin