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Antigenic Analysis of Mycobacterium leprae
Author(s) -
CLOSS O.,
MSHANA R. N.,
HARBOE M.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
scandinavian journal of immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.934
H-Index - 88
eISSN - 1365-3083
pISSN - 0300-9475
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-3083.1979.tb02735.x
Subject(s) - mycobacterium leprae , antiserum , antigen , leprosy , lepromatous leprosy , microbiology and biotechnology , antibody , biology , immunoelectrophoresis , immunization , mycobacterium , virology , immunology , bacteria , genetics
About twenty distinct antigenic components have been demonstrated in Mycubacterium leprae ( M. leprae ) by crossed immunoelectrophoresis against a rabbit antiserum produced by immunization with concentrated M, leprae antigen. This system allows a more detailed analysis of the antigenic relationship between M, leprae and other mycobacteria and a better characterization of the antigenic content of various M. leprae preparations than with previously available antisera which reacted with tar fewer components. The antibody activity in sera of patients with lepro‐matous leprosy was studied by incorporating the sera into the intermediate gel of the M. leprae reference system. Antibodies were found against only seven of the components. Since those compared are all known to be cross‐reacting widely with antigens of other mycobacteria, it is speculated that cross‐immunization may influence the antibody response in lepromatous leprosy.