ABSTRAK
The problems of current approach to leprosy control through case detection and mass treatment are well understood. Therefore, a primary prevention strategy through vaccination would appear to be the answer. Efforts are now being made to develop avaccine which is highly effective and efficient BCG, a vaccine first used for tuberculosis, has proved to have a protective effect against leprosy. Some studies in human subjects have shown that preparation of killed M. leprae and BCG can induce cell-mediated immunity in lepromin negative patients and healthy contacts. Large field trials in different population are now underway.
The progress in the field of basic immunology and molecular biology has given impetus to search for a more specific vaccine for leprosy. Use of recombinant DNA technology permit mass production of M. leprae antigens at low cost. Studies of these antigens are now still performed in the T cell levels to identify their protective epitopes. In addition, a carrier system for vaccine that should be effective, acceptable and cheap, is also being investigated.
Key Words : leprosy vaccine, BCG, killed M. leprae antigens, recombinant antigens, protective epitope
