Abstract
A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted analyzing the association of covariables in the results of the ML Flow serological test and slit skin smear. A total of 60 leprosy cases diagnosed at the state Sanitary Dermatology Referral Center were investigated. Slit skin smear samples were collected from four sites and the results were expressed by the bacillary index. ML Flow was registered in both qualitative and semi-quantitative terms. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to study the agreement with Landis and Koch's observer criteria for interpretation. For statistical analysis, the logistic regression model and Kruskal-Wallis test were used. ML Flow showed a strong association with slit skin smear results, since a gradual increase in BI was accompanied by a semi-quantitative rise in antibody levels measured by ML Flow, with 100% positivity in cases presenting a positive slit skin smear. Given its strong correlation to slit skin smear, the results of this study provide evidence that the ML Flow test could be a valuable auxiliary tool in the classification and treatment of leprosy patients.
Highlights
A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted analyzing the association of covariables in the results of the ML Flow serological test and slit skin smear
Seropositivity occurred in 70% of patients, while the slit skin smear was positive in 40% (Table 2)
This study provides evidence of a strong association between the ML Flow serological test and slit skin smear
Summary
A descriptive, exploratory study was conducted analyzing the association of covariables in the results of the ML Flow serological test and slit skin smear. Given its strong correlation to slit skin smear, the results of this study provide evidence that the ML Flow test could be a valuable auxiliary tool in the classification and treatment of leprosy patients. Leprosy (Hansen’s disease) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae and its diagnosis is based on the identification of classic symptoms. It is classified as paucibacillary (PB) or multibacillary (MB) for treatment purposes[2]. The phenolic glycolipid-1 (PGL-1) antigen is Mycobacterium leprae-specific and leads to the formation of IgG and IgM
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