Autoantibodies in leprosy sera

Abstract

Our objective was to assess the prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with leprosy. Forty-one cases of lepromatous leprosy were studied. For the detection of autoantibodies we used the Elisa technique using the following purified antigens in an Elisa assay: dsDNA, ssDNA, histone, mitochondria, RNA, RNP, SS-A, SS-B, Sm, Scl-70, Anca C, Anca P and the cardiolipin complex. As a "cut off" point we used values shown on previous studies to differentiate normal from elevated values. Antibodies to SS-B, mitochondria and cardiolipin were the most prevalent in our study. Antimitochondrial antibodies distinct from those seen in primary biliary cirrhosis and antiphospholipid antibodies with variable ligand activity to B2GIP are frequent in the sera of leprosy patients.

The Rubino test for leprosy is a β2‐glycoprotein 1‐dependent antiphospholipid reaction

“… 25 Autoantibodies are widely reported in leprosy, especially in patients with the LL form. 26–30 This might explain the presence of β 2 ‐GP1‐dependent anti‐PL and, consequently, the positive RR.…”

Leprosy and women

“…MB leprosy is often associated with an autoimmune phenomenon with various autoantibodies, such as anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA), A-ANCA, anti-mitochondrial antibodies, and anti-phospholipid antibodies, found in the sera of patients (Freire et al, 1998, Garcia-De La Torre, 1993, Guedes Barbosa et al, 1996, Park et al, 1992). Hence, it has been suggested that autoantibodies directed against components of the ovary might be a cause of ovarian failure.…”

Multibacillary leprosy mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus: case report and literature review

“…Another possible mechanism might be that of molecular mimicry due to the cross reactivity between the infecting antigen and self antigens. 4,24 Ribeiro et al. recently reported the relationship between vitamin D deficiency and development of ANA, suggesting that vitamin D might be a pathogenic link for the emergence of auto-immunity in patients with leprosy.…”

“…4 A variety of auto-antibodies can be detected in leprosy patients such as antibodies to SS-B, anti-mitochondrial antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies and anti-dsDNA. 24…”