In situ antibody level determination of skin fluids in human leprosy

This study of the immunopathology of leprosy employed ELISA tests and microscopical examination of fl uids from induced blisters taken at intervals following blister formation.The study demonstrated that blister samples (taken at 30, 48, 72 and 96 hours) can be used interchangeably with slit-skin smear fl uids as a reference for antibody levels. The selection of either purifi ed M. leprae phenotic glycolipid-lOr synthetic antigen (NT-O-BSA or ND-O-BSA) for the measurement of specifi c antibody level give similar results. The study further demonstrated that the initiation of steroid treratment of erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) patients should be guided by events during reactions as well as antibody levels in blister fl uids. Care must be taken to get a reliable measurement of antibody levels found in blister fl uids. Chiang Mai Med Bull 1991; 30: 141-151.