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Subject Area

Obstetrics and Gynecology

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between anti-phenolic glycolipid-1 (anti-PGL-1) seropositivity and the presence of other risk factors and signs suggestive of leprosy in household contacts (HCC) of leprosy cases. Objective Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease. Its prevalence has declined after the introduction of multidrug therapy; however, efforts are needed for early case identification. Relation of anti-PGL-1 antibody (Ab) levels in HCC and other risk factors is a point of concern. Patients and methods In this cross-sectional study, we studied serum anti-PGL-1 Ab levels among 90 HCC of leprosy cases that were reported during the period from January 2010 to May 2016 using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results The mean serum level of anti-PGL-1 Ab was significantly higher in the children category with a mean of 71.98 ± 67.88 pg/ml and in those with positive signs suggestive of leprosy with a mean of 148.91 ± 62.01 pg/ml. The mean was significantly higher when the number of residents per bedroom was more than two with a mean of 80.78 ± 72.49 pg/ml, when the number of damaged nerves was two in the leprosy cases with a mean anti-PGL-1 Ab level of 117.22 ± 79.01 pg/ml, and when the cases were of grade 2 disability at the time of diagnosis with a mean of 104.53 ± 78.11 pg/ml. Conclusion High levels of anti-PGL-1 Ab may be considered as a risk factor for leprosy. Measurement and follow-up examination of its levels may contribute to early diagnosis of leprosy in parallel with clinical assessment.

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