The role of IgM antiphenolic glycolipid-1 antibodies in assessing household contacts of leprosy patients in a low endemic area.
This study was carried out to assess the role PGL-1 antibodies may have to play in assisting with early diagnosis in close contacts of leprosy patients. Blood samples were collected from patients and contacts. It was found that 6.9% of index cases and 1% of healthy contacts were positive for PGL-1 antibody. None of the healthy contacts developed clinical leprosy and all had become seronegative at follow-up. We conclude that screening for PGL-1 antibodies has a limited role in the screening of healthy contacts and may not be of use in low endemic areas.
Soares
D J
DJ
Anandaban Leprosy Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal.
Failbus
S
S
Chalise
Y
Y
Kathet
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D002648:Child; D018562:Disease Transmission, Infectious; D005260:Female; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007918:Leprosy / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D008297:Male; D009390:Nepal; D012698:Serologic Tests
D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D006017:Glycolipids; C045169:phenolic glycolipid I, Mycobacterium leprae