Formation of Antibody Against Mycobacterium Leprae Antigen 7 in Armadillos

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
A radioimmunoassay developed to measure antibody [Ab] against M. leprae antigen 7 in man was applied to the 9-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus). Normal armadillo sera had low but significant Ab activity in the test. Of 17 armadillos with systemic mycobacterial infection after inoculation with M. leprae, 14 showed increased Ab activity in the assay, and in some instances the activity was higher than in a pool of sera from patients with lepromatous leprosy. Crossed immunoelectrophoresis with armadillo serum in the intermediate gel revealed Ab against 5 distinct antigenic components of M. leprae. Development of systemic mycobacterial infection after inoculation with M. leprae is associated with a distinct humoral immune response. The use of a radioimmunoassay for selection of animals for inoculation and for following the development of the infection is discussed.