Use of a whole blood assay to monitor the immune response to mycobacterial antigens in leprosy patients: a predictor for type 1 reaction onset?

摘要

Longitudinal studies are more appropriate than cross-sectional studies for investigating changes in the immune response to Mycobacterium leprae during leprosy, such as occur in type 1 (reversal) reactions. A test for predicting the onset of reactions in leprosy would greatly reduce disability associated with leprosy. Whole blood assays arte appropriate for longitudinal studies of the in vitro T-cell response, as they are robust and reproducible, and require only a small volume of blood.