Detection of filarial specific IgG4 antibodies in individuals residing in endemic areas using panLFRAPID test card.

In order to achieve the goal of global programme for elimination of lymphatic filariasis (GPELF), chemotherapy programmes are underway to interrupt transmission of the disease. At this point, detection of exposure will be more appropriate to monitor the programme and to certify areas cleared of active transmission as disease-free. A recently available cassette form of rapid test, panLFRAPID is a filarial IgG4 antibody detection test that may be useful for the programme. Therefore, we carried out a preliminary test using this cassette test on various categories of serum samples. The result showed that the test appeared to have potential in monitoring the exposure to filarial infection in GPELF.