ABSTRACT:
Background: Leprosy is an infectious disease that affects the skin, peripheral nerves and mucosa caused by Mycobacterium leprae. It is considered as a public health problem for many countries. This study aimed to measure the level of IL-6 and INF-γ in the serum of leprosy patients to determine their role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Material and methods: This observational hospital-based case-control cross-sectional study includes 170 individuals, 110 were diagnosed with leprosy (78 male and 32 female), and 60 healthy control (44 male and 16 female). Blood samples were collected and IL-6 and INF-γ were measured by Sandwich ELISA using commercial kits.
Results: Results revealed a significant difference (p < 0.001) in the concentration of serum levels of IL-6, INF-γ, and GLO among the studied groups, except for TP (p < 0.006). IL-6 shows a very highly statistically significant correlation with INF-γ in leprosy patients. INF-γ shows the highest concentration in no reaction group, then in type1 reaction group, type2 reaction group, and control group. IL-6 showed significant differences in lepers groups. The highest concentration was found in PB type lepers, followed by MB type.
Conclusion: IL-6 and INF-γ levels were markedly increased in leprosy patients and their highest concentration obtained in (no reaction) group. Also levels of serum total proteins and globulins were significantly higher in leprosy patients. Serum cytokines estimation may aid in classifying various leprosy forms and reactions types