Leprosy transmission in endemic and non-endemic areas based on the profile of antibody response of PGL-1 and PCR detection of DNA from nasal swab among healthy children of East Java, Indonesia.

Background: East Java has become one of the provinces that have higher prevalence of leprosy, especially in the coastal region. Environment has also influenced for leprosy transmission and early detection could reduce the incidence rate of new leprosy cases. Epidemiological studies of leprosy in children can give an illustration of the important aspects of the environment.