Comparative characterization of the antigenic composition of M. leprae and M. lufu
Salamatina, O.S.; Diachina, M.N.; Iushchenko, A.A.; Chernousova, L.N.; Kalinina, O.N.; Parshin, M.P.
Problemy Tuberkuleza 8: 49-51
2001
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-9533 PMID: 11767394 Document Number: 534990
The antigenic structure of M. leprae and M. lufu was comparatively studied for the first time. M. lufu was found to have M. leprae-specific protein with a molecular weight of 36 kDa. M. leprae and M. lufu were similar in their fractional composition of proteins and an antibody response to determinants with equal molecular weights in patients with different forms of leprosy and its varying severity. The findings may improve a diagnostic system in leprosy by using M. lufu antigens as an alternative.