The First Phase of Report on Studies on Predicting Relapse of Leprosy

Title:
The First Phase of Report on Studies on Predicting Relapse of Leprosy

Author:
Wu Q, Zhang L, Li Z, et al.

Address:
National Center for STD and Leprosy Control, Institute of Dermatology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 12 Jiangwangmiao Road, Nanjing 210042, P. R. China

Source:
U.S.Chinese Health and Hygiene Journal, 2000, 3:18-20

Abstract:
Objective: To investigate whether the immuno-serological method for detecting infection with M.leprae may be applied to predict relapse of leprosy or not. Methods: It was used that an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with natural disaccharide octyl bovine serum albumin (ND-O-BSA) as antigen(i.e. ND-IgM-ELISA) to detect antibody against ND in sera from normal controls, active cases of leprosy, cases cured and relapsed for determining the relations of antibody level to types of leprosy. the relation of Bacterialogical Index (BI) and changes of antibody level in sera from leprosy patients cured to relapse of leprosy. From these data, to evaluate the practical possibility of predicting relapse of leprosy. Results: (1) In ND-ELISA, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive and negative predictive values≥0.96, Youden's Index≥0.92, positive likelihood ratio≥24.00, negative likelihood ratio≤0.041; (2) The titers of antibody against ND in sera of leprosy patients showed a gradual increase from the tuberculoid to the lepromatous end of leprosy spectrum; (3) The titers of antibody showed a gradual decrease in leprosy cured year by year; In relapse of leprosy, the titers of antibody were increased and over normal level.
Conclusion: ND-IgM-ELISA was useful in screening for early infection with M.leprae and practical potentials in predicting relapse of leprosy.

Key words: Leprosy ELISA Relapse

Language: Chinese