Inquérito soroepidemiológico com o teste ML- Flow nos contatos de pacientes de hanseníase em um município do estado de São Paulo

Abstract

Introduction: Leprosy is a disabling infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae. The objective was to investigate the occurrence of leprosy among household contacts of leprosy patients, in the city of Presidente Prudente, SP, from 2006 to 2016. Methods: This study is a serological survey of contacts of patients treated or undergoing treatment for leprosy in the city of Presidente Prudente, in the State of São Paulo, using clinical examination and the determination of anti-PGL-I antibodies using ML-Flow test. Results: A total of 263 leprosy index-cases were found in the study period. Of these, 53 were investigated and among their household contacts, 108 were examined. The ML-Flow test was positive and 2 (1,85%) individuals, but the clinical examination revealed no signs or symptoms of leprosy, therefore, it was considered a subclinical infection. Leprosy was not confirmed in any of the household contacts. Conclusion: A low percentage of patients had the ML-Flow positive test. The use of ML-Flow should be encouraged for the follow-up of at-risk populations and for monitoring treatment outcomes.