Diagnostic Assays and Methods of Use for Detection of Filarial Infection

The effort targeting the mosquito borne neglected tropical disease lymphatic filariasis for elimination through mass drug administration by 2020 will require accurate, cost effective methods for detecting early infections. The World Health Organization-recommended immunochromatographic test detects adult Wuchereria bancrofti (Wb) antigen in blood, but shows variable efficacy due to the complex life cycle of the parasites and cross reactivity with other organisms. This variability may hinder effective lymphatic filariasis elimination efforts. This new technology improves available detection methods through use of an isolated immunoreactive antigen, Wb123, from infective stage larvae (L3) Wb; which results in specific detection early in the infective cycle with reduced cross reactivity. This technology may see wide application in testing and surveillance of lymphatic filariasis as part of the effort to eliminate the disease worldwide.