Antigenic analysis of Brugia timori, a filarial nematode of man: initial characterization by surface radioiodination and evaluation of diagnostic potential.

The antigenic composition of Brugia timori has been investigated with surface labelling techniques and defined sets of parasite molecules have been identified on infective larvae, adult worms and microfilariae. Iodinated preparations from all three stages were assessed for immunodiagnostic potential with a small number of serum samples from human filariasis patients. In these tests, reaction with infective larval antigen was the clearest indicator of infection. Reactivity to microfilarial antigens however, correlated poorly with incidence of infection. These experiments show that levels of anti-parasite antibody appear to increase as filarial disease becomes more severe. In contrast to some reports, antibody to microfilarial surface antigens is present in sera from several patients with circulating microfilariae. The immunodiagnostic potential of these tests is indicated by the detection of a few individuals who have high levels of antibody but no outward signs of infection.