Differential immunoglobulin and complement levels in leprosy prior to development of reversal reaction and erythema nodosum leprosum

Abstract

Differential co-receptor expression and immunoglobulin levels before and during immune reactions intimate a central role for humoral immunity in RR and ENL. Decreased C4 and elevated anti-M. leprae antibodies in people with new diagnosis of leprosy may be risk factors for subsequent development of leprosy immune reactions.