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.
Resumo: FUNDAMENTOS -Pesquisas atuais buscam avaliar a prevalência de pessoas infectadas pelo M. leprae, bem como o valor preditivo dos testes utilizados, em meio aos quais está a sorologia, que detecta anticorpos contra um antígeno específico da parede do Mycobacterium leprae, o glicolipídio fenólico (PGL-I). OBJETIVOS -Conhecer a taxa de infecção em contatos intra e peridomiciliares, e a relação de soropositividade com sexo, idade e grupo multibacilar/paucibacilar.
BACKGROUND In highly endemic countries, transmission and sub-clinical infection of leprosy
are likely and the disease manifests itself in individuals without any known close
contact with a leprosy patient. Health workers are social contacts belonging to
the same network (the Health System) and some of them share the same social
environment (nursing assistants) as patients with known patients and / or
carriers. OBJECTIVE To identify ML Flow seropositivity among health professionals. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study using a serological survey with the ML Flow
test in 450 health professionals (doctors, nurses and nursing assistants), in
order to detect seropositivity in areas of high and low endemicity in
municipalities from three Brazilian states (RJ, MS and RS). RESULTS The results showed general 16% seropositivity, higher in low endemic areas,
regardless of whether there was direct care for leprosy patients. Paradoxically, a
statistical association was observed between the area studied and seropositivity,
as the place with the lowest endemicity (CA) had the highest seropositivity rate
(p = 0.033). CONCLUSION The authors suggest these results are associated with a presence of an
unspecified link to bovine serum albumin (BSA), carrier of PGL-1 in the ML Flow
test, and recommend expanded seroepidemiological research utilizing tests with
human and bovine albumin.
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