Evaluation of diagnostic role of IP-10 (Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein) and anti PGL-1 antibody in pediatric leprosy

Background: Leprosy is among the world’s oldest and most dreaded diseases and it has been synonymous with stigma and discrimination due to the hideous deformities it produced, mystery around its aetiology and transmission and lack of any effective remedy till recently. Leprosy is characterized by a long and variable incubation period and a chronic clinical course. Diagnosis of leprosy is essentially based on clinical features. Although the majority of cases can be diagnosed clinically yet alternative methods for diagnosis are required especially for early cases. The present study is aimed to assess the diagnostic value of anti PGL-1 antibody and Interferon Gamma Inducible Protein (IP-10) and to compare these techniques with skin smear. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done on 30 patients below 16 years of age between March 2014 to March 2015. Results: In this study 13 / 30 (43.33%) cases were positive by Anti PGL-1 antibody based ELISA and 12/30 (40%) by IP-10 based ELISA against 9/ 30 (30.00%) cases by skin smears for AFB. Hence Anti PGL-1 and IP-10 based ELISA has more diagnostic value than slit skin smear for AFB in confirmation of leprosy cases. Conclusion: This study supports that Anti PGL-1 antibody and Interferon Gamma induced protein (IP-10) enhance the diagnostic yield of leprosy when compared to routine skin smears stained by Z.N staining. They are important diagnostic tools for definitive diagnosis in early cases of leprosy.