The aim of the present study was to evaluate the cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of leprosy patients when the cells were stimulated in culture by ConA, PPD or M.leprae. We measured IL-2, IL-4, IFN-gamma and IL-6 in cell-free supernatants by enzyme linked immunoassays. Our results do not suggest a clear association of a clinical form of leprosy with either Th1 or Th2 cytokine secretion profile in PBMC of leprosy patients.