Testsealabs Filariasis Antibody IgG/IgM Test
Short Description:
The Filariasis Antibody IgG/IgM Test is a rapid chromatographic immunoassay for the qualitative detection of antibody (IgG and IgM) to lymphatic flarial parasites in whole blood/serum/plasma to aid in the diagnosis of infection with lymphatic flarial parasites.
 Rapid Results: Lab-Accurate in Minutes |
Lab-Grade Precision: Reliable & Trustworthy |
| Test Anywhere: No Lab Visit Required |
Certified Quality: 13485, CE, Mdsap Compliant |
| Simple & Streamlined: Easy-to-Use, Zero Hassle |
Ultimate Convenience: Test Comfortably at Home |
Lymphatic Filariasis (Elephantiasis): Key Facts and Diagnostic Approaches
Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is primarily caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi. It affects approximately 120 million people across more than 80 countries.
Transmission
The disease is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected mosquitoes. When a mosquito feeds on an infected individual, it ingests microfilariae, which then develop into third-stage larvae within the mosquito. For a human infection to establish, repeated and prolonged exposure to these infected larvae is typically required.
Diagnostic Methods
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Parasitologic Diagnosis (Gold Standard)
- Definitive diagnosis relies on demonstrating microfilariae in blood samples.
- Limitations: Requires nocturnal blood collection (due to the nocturnal periodicity of microfilariae) and has inadequate sensitivity.
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Circulating Antigen Detection
- Commercially available tests detect circulating antigens.
- Limitation: Utility is restricted, particularly for W. bancrofti.
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Timing of Microfilaremia and Antigenemia
- Both microfilaremia (presence of microfilariae in blood) and antigenemia (presence of circulating antigens) develop months to years after initial exposure, delaying detection.
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Antibody Detection
- Provides an early means of detecting filarial infection:
- Presence of IgM antibodies to parasite antigens indicates a current infection.
- Presence of IgG antibodies corresponds to late-stage infection or past exposure.
- Advantages:
- Identification of conserved antigens enables "pan-filaria" tests (applicable across multiple filarial species).
- Use of recombinant proteins eliminates cross-reactivity with individuals infected with other parasitic diseases.
- Provides an early means of detecting filarial infection:
The Filariasis Antibody IgG/IgM Test
This test uses conserved recombinant antigens to simultaneously detect IgG and IgM antibodies against W. bancrofti and B. malayi. A key benefit is that it has no restriction on specimen collection timing.
