Lepromin

Lepromin is a skin test used in the diagnosis and prognosis of leprosy, a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The test was developed by R.G. Cochrane in Calcutta, India in 1919.

Overview

The Lepromin test involves injecting a small amount of inactivated Mycobacterium leprae bacteria into the skin. The body's immune response to this injection is then measured to determine the presence and severity of leprosy.

Procedure

The Lepromin test is performed by injecting a small amount of inactivated Mycobacterium leprae bacteria into the skin, usually on the forearm. The injection site is then observed for any reaction. A positive reaction, which may include redness, swelling, or a raised bump, indicates a strong immune response and suggests a less severe form of leprosy. A negative reaction, with little to no immune response, suggests a more severe form of the disease.

Interpretation

The results of the Lepromin test are typically read at two time points: 48 hours (the early reading) and 21 days (the late reading) after the injection. The early reading measures the immediate immune response, while the late reading measures the delayed immune response.

Limitations

While the Lepromin test can provide valuable information about the immune response to Mycobacterium leprae, it is not a definitive test for leprosy. The test cannot distinguish between individuals who have been exposed to the bacteria but have not developed the disease, and those who have active leprosy.

See also

• Leprosy
• Mycobacterium leprae
• Skin test

References

Lepromin Resources
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