Preliminary analysis of the mixed use of derivated neoglycolipids of PGL-1 of Mycobacterium leprae: antigen disaccharide (ND-O-BSA) and trisaccharide (NT-P-BSA) as a way to increase the sensitivity of ELISA anti-PGL-1 test

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Although leprosy is an ancient disease, it has not been possible yet to develop a diagnostic test considered the gold standard because of the inability to cultivate the in vitro agent. The current diagnostic tests, so far, are not available in primary care, in general, it is a fact that complicates the correct classification of subtle cases and makes early diagnosis impossible, which could help to break the chain of disease transmission. Thus, by means of an experimental study using convenience sampling, the aim of this study was to analyze the added use of semisynthetic derivatives of phenolic glycolipid antigens - 1 (PGL-1) of Mycobacterium leprae as a strategy to increase the sensitivity of ELISA anti-PGL-1 used as a discriminatory instrument by clinical and bacteriological patients classified as multibacillary and paucibacillary and contacts, comparing the performance of the ELISA anti-PGL-1 and making use of mixed antigens compared to trisaccharide antigen. The results demonstrated anti-PGL-1 antibody levels higher for the mixed antigens compared to the trisaccharide antigen individually, which can highlight the effectiveness of ELISA test as a helper in diagnosis and classification of leprosy.