Immunohistochemical detection of PGL-1, LAM, 20kD and 65kD antigens in leprosy infected paraffin preserved skin and nerve sections

摘要

A panel of lipid, carbohydrate and protein antibodies were optimized for use in detecting M.leprae antigens in paraffin embedded material. Skin and nerve biopsies from 13 patients across the leprosy spectrum were studied. All antibodies detected antigen in tissues with a BI> 1. Phenolic-glycolipid was not detected in bacteriologically negative tissue but lipoarabinomanan(LAM)and protein antigens were detected. Staining with LAM was strongest and gave least background.