Filariasis screening

Screening is important especially among the people of Asian countries like Malaysia, China and India. It is important among people who work in agriculture fields. Agriculture fields may be inhabited by the infected mosquitoes and vectors, making these people more vulnerable to getting infected. Two known tests for the screening of filariasis are dipstick colloidal dye immunoassay and Immunochromatographic technique (ICT) filariasis test kit.

• It is recommended to screen for the filariasis among the people who work in agriculture field especially in Asian countries like Malaysia, China and India.
• Screening is important as agriculture fields are an appropriate environment for the mosquitoes and the disease vectors to multiply. People working there are more vulnerable to be infected with filariasis.
• Screening tests include:^[1][2]
  • Dipstick Colloidal dye Immunoassay (DIA):
    • It detects the filarial antigens inside the individual serum and has high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing lymphatic filariasis.
  • Immunochromatographic technique (ICT) Filariasis test kit:
    • It has specific antibodies for the W. Bancrofti antigens.