Autoimmune phenomena in leprosy, particularly antinuclear antibodies and rheumatoid factor.

Recent reports have emphasized the importance of the rheumatic manifestations in leprosy, especially the lepromatous form. Lepromatous leprosy has been associated with the production of autoantibodies of various types. The incidence and potential pathogenetic significance of autoantibodies, especially rheumatoid factor and antinuclear antibodies in patients with leprosy is reviewed.