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Hepatitis-B-surface antigen (HBsAg) in leprosy patients
Leprosy in India
|January 1, 1983
Summary
Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) was detected more frequently in leprosy patients, particularly Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) cases, compared to healthy controls. This suggests a potential link between HBsAg presence and leprosy, warranting further investigation.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- Dermatology
Background:
- Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease primarily affecting the skin and peripheral nerves.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Co-infection with HBV and other infectious agents can alter disease presentation and progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen (HBsAg) in leprosy patients.
- To compare HBsAg positivity rates between different leprosy types and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Indirect Haemagglutination (IHA) technique was used for HBsAg detection.
- Study included 134 Lepromatous Leprosy (LL) cases, 22 LL with ENL reaction, 24 Borderline Leprosy (BL) cases, 7 Borderline Tuberculoid (BT) cases, and 31 controls.
Main Results:
- HBsAg positivity was 32% in LL cases, significantly higher than 6.2% in controls (P < 0.01).
- Elevated HBsAg detection rates were observed in leprosy patients compared to the control group.
Conclusions:
- Leprosy patients, especially those with LL, exhibit a higher prevalence of HBsAg positivity.
- The findings suggest a potential association between Hepatitis B virus and leprosy, meriting further research into the implications of co-infection.