[Value of a papain-treated homologous microfilarial antigen in the diagnosis of filariasis due to Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica. Analysis of 237 cases].

An indirect immunofluorescence assay using papaïn treated microfilariae (IFI-WBp) has been performed to attempt diagnosis of bancroftian filariasis. The authors have analysed 237 bed-rests of patients consulting for specific and non specific lymphangitis, chyluria, elephantiasis, hydrocele or just asymptomatic hypereosinophilia. Taking into account the clinical aspects, the parasitological and the serological results, they have shown the efficiency of IFI-WBp (titre greater than 80) to diagnose filariasis in French Polynesia where only one species of filaria is present (Wuchereria bancrofti var. pacifica.)