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The lepromin test in rhesus monkeys
Abstract:
The lepromin test was studied in rhesus monkeys. Six control monkeys which had not been inoculated with Mycobacterium leprae, six monkeys with experimentally induced leprosy, and nine monkeys which had been inoculated with M. leprae but had not developed leprosy were evaluated with 1X, 10X, and 15X lepromin A, with 1X and 10X lepromin M (mangabey monkey derived), with 1X and 25X purified inactivated M. leprae, and with an armadillo mock lepromin. We found that the lepromin test is useful in rhesus monkeys, but that a higher concentration of antigen than is used in humans is required to induce a response in monkeys. Control monkeys appear to be lepromin negative. Animals which have been inoculated and which develop lepromatous leprosy are also negative. Monkeys which are experimentally inoculated with M. leprae and do not develop leprosy become lepromin positive. Monkeys with indeterminate leprosy have reactions intermediate between lepromatous and resistant animals. No monkeys reacted to armadillo tissue. Our results indicate that 10X lepromin A is a useful preparation for the lepromin testing of rhesus monkeys.
Insights
The lepromin test is effective in rhesus monkeys for leprosy diagnosis, but requires higher antigen concentrations. A 10X concentration of lepromin A is recommended for accurate results in monkey studies.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Immunology
- Mycobacterial Research
- Primate Models in Disease
Background:
- The lepromin test is a diagnostic tool for cellular immunity in leprosy.
- Its efficacy and optimal antigen concentration in non-human primates, specifically rhesus monkeys, remain to be fully elucidated.
- Understanding immune responses in animal models is crucial for leprosy research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility of the lepromin test in rhesus monkeys.
- To determine the appropriate antigen concentration for lepromin testing in this species.
- To correlate lepromin test results with experimental Mycobacterium leprae inoculation and disease status.
Main Methods:
- Rhesus monkeys were divided into control, experimentally induced leprosy, and M. leprae-inoculated (non-diseased) groups.
- Various concentrations of lepromin A, lepromin M, and purified inactivated M. leprae were used for skin testing.
- Reactions were assessed and correlated with inoculation and disease status.
Main Results:
- The lepromin test showed utility in rhesus monkeys, necessitating higher antigen concentrations than used in humans.
- Control and lepromatous leprosy monkeys were lepromin negative.
- Monkeys inoculated with M. leprae but without developed leprosy were lepromin positive.
- Indeterminate leprosy cases showed intermediate reactions.
- 10X lepromin A was identified as a useful preparation for rhesus monkey testing.
Conclusions:
- The lepromin test is a valuable tool for assessing cellular immunity in rhesus monkeys regarding Mycobacterium leprae.
- Optimized antigen concentrations, specifically 10X lepromin A, are essential for reliable lepromin testing in this primate model.
- Lepromin test results can differentiate between resistant, susceptible, and infected but non-diseased states in M. leprae-inoculated rhesus monkeys.