title: Leprosy serology using PGL-I: a systematic review.
abstract: Serology using a species-specific antigen for Mycobacterium leprae, PGL-I, could be a marker for the bacterial load of patients with leprosy. Various studies have identified the potential use of serology in the classification of patients for treatment purposes, case monitoring, identification of the risk of relapse and selection of household contacts with a higher risk of contracting the disease. A systematic review of the literature was conducted and 26 articles were included in this comparative analysis. The results of the use of PGL-I serology in different situations, its limitations and possible applications were evaluated. Studies show the efficacy of PGL-I serology in the classification of patients, treatment monitoring and as a predictive test for leprosy reactions. To improve early diagnosis and follow-up of the population at greatest risk of developing leprosy, the methodologies used in the past have yet to show a favorable cost-benefit ratio, although studies indicate that the use of the test might positively influence leprosy control programs. With simple and robust techniques, the use of PGL-I serology is viable.
authors.affiliation: Tropical Pathology and Public Health Institute, Federal University of Goiás, Goiás, Brazil.
authors.forename: Rodrigo Scaliante de
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Moura
authors.forename: Karla Lucena
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Calado
authors.forename: Maria Leide W
authors.initials: ML
authors.lastname: Oliveira
authors.forename: Samira
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bührer-Sékula
mesh_terms: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial / Q000276:immunology; D006017:Glycolipids / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007075:Immunoglobulin M / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology; D007918:Leprosy / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000276:immunology; D009166:Mycobacterium leprae / Q000276:immunology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012698:Serologic Tests
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial; D000942:Antigens, Bacterial; D006017:Glycolipids; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; C045169:phenolic glycolipid I, Mycobacterium leprae