Is neopterin - a marker of cellmediated immune response - helpful in classifying leprosy?

The urinary excretion of neopterin, an indicator of cellular immune response, was measured in patients suffering from leprosy. No difference was found between the BT+T group and BL + L group. All age groups presented with similar urinary neopterin excretion. There was no correlation apparent batween the duration of disease and urinary neopterin excretion. Whether the most recent skin smear was positive or negative, did not make any difference. Similary, prior medication did not play any role in influencing urinary neopterin excretion. Urinary neopterin excretion is of little value in classifying leprosy, but it might be of some value in long-term follow-up and in determining the activity of the disease and the efficacy of therapy.