EVALUATION OF THE Og34C FILTER PAPER TECHNIQUE IN LYMPHATIC FILARIASIS PREVALENCE STUDIES

Abstract

Currently there are several tests whichcan be used for monitoring and evaluatinglymphatic filariasis prevalence in mass drugadministration (MDA) programs with theICT as most commonly accepted field test.However, other techniques to determinecirculating antigen are available that alsocould be suitable in these programs. Our aimwas to determine the suitability of the Og4C3filter paper technique to determine antigenprevalence for lymphatic filariasis. Wecompared multiple antigen methods duringthe course of baseline clinical prevalencestudies in Papua, New Guinea in over 800subjects. We found that the ICT and Og4C3filter paper techniques and using blood fromthe ICT card in the Og4C3 ELISA wereequivalent in performance and that the serumOg4C3 ELISA test detected significantly moreantigenic individuals. In addition, we foundthat modification of the Og4C3 assay byremoving the boiling step did not affect itsperformance. Our results indicate that theOg4C3 filter paper technique is suitable foruse in elimination of transmission of lymphaticfilariasis monitoring and evaluation programs,quality control of ICT testing could beaccomplished by using blood from the ICTtest card, and with appropriate logistics inplace, venous sampling and testing by theserum Og4C3 ELISA is achievable inmonitoring and evaluation and would betteridentify areas with low level antigenaemiaprevalence and possible ongoing transmission.