Comparison of IL-17 and FOXP3+ Levels in Maternal and Children Leprosy Patients in Endemic and Nonendemic Areas

Abstract

Leprosy, a chronic infection caused by M. leprae, has a complex transmission problem that makes eradication programs difficult. New cases and ongoing transmission of leprosy in endemic areas make individuals living in endemic environments vulnerable to leprosy. This can be caused by the dysregulation of immune system in individuals living in leprosy-endemic areas. Although the number of male leprosy patients is higher, female leprosy patients have more impact on the family health status due to close contact with family members, roles in the household, and parenting. This could cause the increased number of children leprosy patients. We investigated the dysregulation of immune system by comparing IL-17 and FOXP3+ levels occurring in maternal and child leprosy patients in endemic and nonendemic areas. The results of the study found a statistically significant difference in IL-17 levels between the MB leprosy patient group and the control group ( p = 0.048 ), where higher levels of IL-17 are observed in the control group. A significant difference also was found in FOXP3+ levels between the group of healthy children living in endemic and those living in nonendemic areas ( p = 0.047 ), where higher FOXP3+ is observed in the healthy children living in endemic areas group.

The role of CXCL10 as a biomarker for immunological response among patients with leprosy: a systematic literature review

“…Leprosy manifests in a variety of ways, from localized to generalized disease depending on the host immunological response which suggests immunological involvement in the course of the disease ( Nath, 2016 ). Due to immune system dysregulation, which made M. leprae more contagious, those who lived in endemic areas were more susceptible to leprosy ( Prakoeswa et al, 2021 ).…”

Clusters of risk for the occurrence of leprosy and disabilities in children under 15 years of age in Cuiabá: a geospatial study

“…Often, patients and family members are unaware of any contact they have had with the disease, as well as the existence of cases of leprosy in the family or in the vicinities 9 . Often, index cases are not identified early by health services, and close and prolonged contact causes the disease to affect children and adolescents, perpetuating the disease transmission chain and making it rather difficult to be eliminated [7][8][9][10][11] .…”

Aglomerados de risco para ocorrência de hanseníase e as incapacidades em menores de 15 anos em Cuiabá: um estudo geoespacial

“…Frequentemente, pacientes e familiares desconhecem qualquer contato que tenham tido com a doença, bem como a existência de casos de hanseníase na família ou na vizinhança 9 . Muitas vezes, os casos índices não são identificados precocemente pelos serviços de saúde, e o contato próximo e prolongado faz com que a enfermidade acometa crianças e adolescentes, perpetuando a cadeia de transmissão da doença e dificultando a eliminação da hanseníase [7][8][9][10][11] .…”

“…Often, patients and family members are unaware of any contact they have had with the disease, as well as the existence of cases of leprosy in the family or in the vicinities 9 . Often, index cases are not identified early by health services, and close and prolonged contact causes the disease to affect children and adolescents, perpetuating the disease transmission chain and making it rather difficult to be eliminated 7 - 11 .…”