Detection and Monitoring of Mycobacterium leprae Infection in Nine Banded Armadillos (Dasypus novemcinctus) Using a Quantitative Rapid Test.

ABSTRACT: Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae with tropism for skin and peripheral nerves. Incessant transmission in endemic areas is still impeding elimination of leprosy. Although detection of M. leprae infection remains a challenge in asymptomatic individuals, the presence of antibodies specific for phenolglycolipid-I (PGL-I) correlate with bacterial load. Therefore, serosurveillance utilizing field-friendly tests detecting anti-PGL-I antibodies, can be applied to identify those who may transmit bacteria and to study (reduction of) M. leprae transmission. However, serology based on antibody detection cannot discriminate between past and present M. leprae infection in humans, nor can it detect individuals carrying low bacillary loads. In huma

SUBMITTER: Zhou Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8581735 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature