ANTISPHINGOLIPID ANTIBODIES IN THE SERA OF LEPROSY PATIENTS

Earlier we reported the presence of significant levels of antigalactoc erebroside (GalC) antibodies in the sera of leprosy patients. This stu dy corroborates the above result and also gives evidence for the prese nce of antibodies to the nonpolar ceramide (Cer) moiety of GalC. AntiC er antibody titres were higher as compared to antiGalC antibodies in a ll categories of leprosy. The specificity of antibodies directed to th e Cer moiety was confirmed using Lactosyl-BSA and neutralization assay s. Statistically significant and positive correlations were observed b etween antiGalC and antiCer antibodies. Responsiveness factors were co mputed using natural logarithmic transformation of the variables.