Relationship between Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire with IgM anti-PGL-1 antibody levels in household contacts of leprosy

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease affecting mainly the skin and peripheral nerves caused by the obligate intracellular pathogen Mycobacterium leprae. This study aimed to determine the relationship between Leprosy Suspicion Questionnaire (LSQ) and anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels in household contacts of leprosy patients. Methods: This research was an observational analytical study with a cross-sectional design. The sample consisted of 30 subjects who were household contacts of leprosy patients. Anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels were examined using the ELISA method at the Cito Laboratory, Yogyakarta. Results: Regarding demographic characteristics, there were 18 female subjects (60%) and 12 male subjects (40%). LSQ+ results were found in 22 (73.3%) subjects, while LSQ- results were found in 8 (26.7%) subjects. The results of the anti-PGL-1 IgM examination were classified into three categories, namely seronegative (<605 U/ mL) totaling 25 people (83.3%), low titer seropositivity (605–1000 U/mL) totaling four people (13.3 %), and high titer seropositivity (>1000 U/mL) was one person (3.3%). The mean value of IgM anti-PGL-1 was 383.63 U/mL, with the lowest value being 0 and the highest being 1593 U/mL. Using Fischer's Exact showed no relationship between LSQ and IgM Anti-PGL-1 (p=0.287). Conclusions: No relationship was found between LSQ and anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody levels in household contacts of leprosy patients. The results of the LSQ answers correlated with anti-PGL-1 IgM antibodies found in only five subjects.