Evaluation of diversified antigens for detection of Mycobacterium leprae antibodies from leprosy patients and contacts.

A comparative evaluation of diversified antigens in ELISA has been made for detection of M. leprae antibodies in the sera of leprosy patients and their contacts. Out of the four antigens, namely M. leprae sonicate (ML), phenolic glycolipid I (PGL-1), M. habana sonicate (MH) and its arabinomannan (AM), the cross reactive antigens (MH,AM) have comparatively detected more number of leprosy cases. Homologous antigens (ML, PGL-1) have lower detection level. Use of MH and AM for detection of mycobacterial antibodies have been discussed and advocated for epidemiological studies of leprosy/tuberculosis.