A serological test for leprosy based on competitive inhibition of monoclonal antibody binding to the MY2a determinant of Mycobacterium leprae.

A novel serological assay for leprosy has been devised on the basis of serum inhibition of binding of 125I-labelled ML04 monoclonal antibody to Mycobacterium leprae sonicate-coated microtitre plates. Antibodies were detected in 93% of lepromatous leprosy patients, whereas controls from the endemic area, including leprosy contacts and patients with tuberculosis, were serologically negative. The specificity and efficacy of the test may offer an advantage over previously used techniques.