Summary This study was carried out to assess the role PGL-l antibodies may have to play in assisting with early diagnosis in close contacts of leprosy patients. Blood samples were collected from patients and contacts. It was found that 6·9% of index cases and 1 % of healthy contacts were positive for PGL-l antibody. None of the healthy contacts developed clinical leprosy and all had become seronegative at fo llow-up. We conclude that screening for PGL-l antibodies has a limited role in the screening of healthy contacts and may not be of use in low endemic areas.