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Tear lysozyme in lepromatous leprosy
Summary
Tear lysozyme levels are lower in patients with lepromatous leprosy compared to healthy individuals. Anterior uveitis did not significantly impact tear lysozyme concentration in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Leprosy, a chronic infectious disease, can affect various parts of the eye.
- Lysozyme is an important antimicrobial enzyme found in bodily secretions, including tears.
- Alterations in tear lysozyme may indicate underlying ocular inflammation or disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify and compare tear lysozyme concentrations in patients with lepromatous leprosy and healthy controls.
- To investigate the potential influence of anterior uveitis on tear lysozyme levels in leprosy patients.
Main Methods:
- Employed a single radial immunodiffusion technique.
- Utilized monospecific antiserum against human lysozyme for accurate quantification.
- Analyzed tear samples from 47 lepromatous leprosy patients and 50 healthy individuals.
Main Results:
- Mean tear lysozyme concentration in healthy individuals was 1.34 mg/ml.
- Mean tear lysozyme concentration in leprosy patients was 1.0 mg/ml, indicating a reduction.
- Anterior uveitis was not found to significantly alter tear lysozyme levels.
Conclusions:
- Lepromatous leprosy is associated with decreased tear lysozyme concentration.
- Tear lysozyme levels may serve as a potential biomarker in leprosy patients.
- Anterior uveitis does not appear to be a confounding factor for tear lysozyme levels in this cohort.