Immunological studies in leprosy. III-Cutaneous response to antigens in spectrum of leprosy.

Delayed type of hypersensitivity response was assessed in 65 cases of leprosy of different types, and 18 control using lepromin (Dharmendra) and candida antigens. 0.1 ml of antigen was injected intra-dermally and results were recorded after 48 hours. The induration of 5 mm or more was taken as positive for early (Fernandez) reaction in lepromin test, and also for candida reaction. Both types of tests were positive in decreasing order from tuberculoid to borderline type while negative in borderline lepromatous and lepromatous type.