Serological diagnosis of bancroftian and malayan filariasis
Grove, D.I.; Davis, R.S.
American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 27(3): 508-513
1978
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9637 PMID: 354418 Document Number: 133850
Sera were collected from 135 patients with Wuchereria bancrofti, 44 with Brugia malayi and 56 inhabitants of an island not endemic for filariasis, all in the Philippines. Antibodies were measured using Brugia malayi as the source of antigen. Antibodies against adult worms measured by indirect immunofluorescence were found at a titre of 1:8 or more in all filariasis patients, but not in the controls. Antibody titre was not related to clinical status. Antibodies against microfilariae were measured by indirect immunofluorescence and by microfilarial agglutination. A high correlation was observed between the 2 methods. These antibodies were found in only a quarter of patients with filariasis. Microfilarial antibodies were found more commonly in those patients with chronic lymphatic obstruction. [AS].