IL-22 levels were significantly higher in slit skin smear-negative patients (n = 14 (41.2%)), while IL-17 did not show a significant association with smear status.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Elevated serum IL-17 and IL-22 levels, particularly in borderline and reactional forms of leprosy, support a contributory role of the Th17/Th22 axis in disease immunopathogenesis and highlight their potential utility as biomarkers of inflammatory activity in lepra reactions. This evidence concerns the gene IL22 and leprosy.