Immunodiagnosis of bancroftian filariasis.

The indirect fluorescent antibody test, the enzyme-linked immuno sorbent assay and the indirect haemagglutination test were evaluated in immunodiagnosis of bancroftian filariasis using W. bancrofti microfilarial antigens. The tests gave a higher positive reactions with microfilaraemic, clinical filarial and endemic normal sera respectively. Non-specific cross-reactions were common in the three tests, so immunodiagnosis should be preceded by stool examination. IFAT gave the highest sensitivity and specificity, while IHAT was the least one. ELISA is simple, sensitive and can be used in seroepidemiological studies.