Detection of Mycobacterium leprae infection in family clusters from six leprosy-endemic regions in Colombia

Background Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, which continues to be endemic in tropical countries, making it necessary to implement strategies for its elimination. The objective of the current article was to detect M. leprae infection and associated factors through serological and epidemiological evaluation in family clusters of leprosy patients. Methods Mycobacterium leprae infection was determined in 50 family clusters of leprosy patients from the departments of Bolivar, Atlantico, Santander, Boyaca, Choco and Antioquia through the detection of antibodies (protein A, IgM, IgG) against anti-natural octyl disacharide-leprosy IDRI diagnostic (NDO-LID). Results Higher seroconversion and elevated titers of these antibodies against NDO-LID were observed in the population of Choco and Atlantico (p<0.05). Additionally, a higher frequency of infection was observed in large family groups that consumed armadillo meat and belonged to a low socioeconomic stratum (p<0.05). Multivariate analysis established that the main associated factors for a family cluster experiencing this infection were belonging to a vulnerable economic stratum and a large family group. Conclusions This study found that the set of social and demographic variables (i.e. armadillo consumption, geographic area, low socioeconomic status and belonging to a large family cluster) are related to the promotion of seropositivity in family clusters.