Comparison of tests for the detection of circulating filarial antigen (Og4C3-ELISA and AD12-ICT) and ultrasound in diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis in individuals with microfilariae.

Abstract

Significant advances were made in the diagnosis of filariasis in the 1990s with the emergence of three new alternative tools: ultrasound and tests to detect circulating antigen using two monoclonal antibodies, Og4C3 and AD12-ICT-card. This study aimed to identify which of these methods is the most sensitive for diagnosis of infection. A total of 256 individuals, all male and carrying microfilariae (1-15,679 MF/mL), diagnosed by nocturnal venous blood samples, were tested by all three techniques. The tests for circulating filarial antigen concurred 100% and correctly identified 246/256 (96.69%) of the positive individuals, while ultrasound detected only 186/256 (73.44%). Of the circulating antigen tests, ICT-card was the most convenient method for identification of Wuchereria bancrofti carriers. It was easy to perform, practical and quick.

• Authors: Abraham Rocha, Cynthia Braga, Marcela Belém, Arturo Carrera, Ana Aguiar-Santos, Paula Oliveira, Maria José Texeira, André Furtado
• Journal: Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (Mem Inst Oswaldo Cruz) Vol. 104 Issue 4 Pg. 621-5 (Jul 2009) ISSN: 1678-8060 [Electronic] Brazil
• PMID: 19722087 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Helminth
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antigens, Helminth

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Animals
• Antibodies, Helminth
• Antibodies, Monoclonal
• Antigens, Helminth (blood)
• Child
• Elephantiasis, Filarial (blood, diagnosis, diagnostic imaging)
• Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
• Humans
• Male
• Microfilariae (ultrastructure)
• Middle Aged
• Sensitivity and Specificity
• Ultrasonography
• Wuchereria bancrofti (immunology)
• Young Adult