Increased anti-M. Leprae PGL-I igm levels in a child who developed leprosy

As part of a study that aimed at reaching those at risk of developing leprosy through screening of household contacts, a child aged 7 was included as contact of a multibacillary leprosy patient. This study was conducted in Kokosa, hot spot area in Oromia Region, Ethiopia. Compared to other contacts, this child showed increased levels of anti-M. leprae Phenolic glycolipid-I (PGL-I) IgM antibodies as assessed by up-converting lateral flow assay (UCP -LFA) at initial and second-time screening and developed leprosy three years later. Therefore, the anti-PGL-I IgM UCP-LFA can serve as an additional diagnostic field tool in leprosy control programs.