Active search for leprosy cases in Midwestern Brazil: a serological evaluation of asymptomatic household contacts before and after prophylaxis with bacillus Calmette-Guérin.

Leprosy is a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae that carries a high risk of disability, making early diagnosis mandatory. This study aimed to determine the applicability of anti-PGL-1 IgM antibody detection, using the ML FLOW technique, as an assistant tool for the detection of leprosy infection in asymptomatic household contacts (AHHC) of multibacillary leprosy index cases from Midwest Brazil. Serological changes induced by the prophylaxis of these household contacts with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were also verified.

Validation of the questionnaire on hand function assessment in leprosy.

Objective: To validate the psychometric properties of the questionnaire on hand function assessment in leprosy.

Methods: Study conducted with a convenience sample of 101 consecutive patients in Brasília (Central-Western Brazil), from June 2008 to July 2009. The individuals were adults affected by leprosy, with impairment of the ulnar, median and radial nerves.

The use of ML Flow test in school children diagnosed with leprosy in the district of Paracatu, Minas Gerais.

The detection rate of leprosy in the district of Paracatu is high in the age group under 15 years-old, including about 6.8/10,000 inhabitants in 2003, and classified as hyperendemic. The study aimed to analyze the application of the PGL-1 (ML Flow) serological test in 56 of 68 school-age patients of the public school system, diagnosed with leprosy through active case finding in Paracatu, Minas Gerais State (2004 to 2006), with 71% classified as paucibacillary.

The profile of fogo selvagem (endemic pemphigus foliaceus) at the University Hospital of Brasilia-Brazil. Epidemiological and clinical considerations.

Background: Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF) or fogo selvagem (FS) is an endemic autoimmune disease, characterized by flaccid bullae induced by IgG(4) subclass antibodies. The authors demonstrate the epidemiological and clinical status of patients who have been followed at the University Hospital of Brasilia (HUB) for more than 15 years.

Methods: One hundred and ninety-six patients with FS took part in the project.