Evaluation of in vitro released Wuchereria bancrofti third stage larval antigens for detection of Bancroftian filariasis.

Three types of in vitro released excretory, secretory and metabolic antigens of Wuchereria bancrofti third larval stage (L3ESM) are evaluated in ELISA test to detect infected individuals in the endemic area. A total of 104 reference sera are used to predict the sensitivity of these antigens. None of L3 ESM antigens, although homologous in nature, did not identify correctly the categorised reference sera. This study clearly indicated a need for defined antigens to detect W. bancrofti infection early in the endemic residents.