Short Report: Evaluation of the whole blood filariasis ICT test for short-term monitoring after antifilarial treatment

The immunochromatographic (ICT) filariasis test is a rapid screening tool t hat will be useful for defining the prevalence and distribution of Wucherer ia bancrofti as part of the global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasi s. To address questions about its usefulness for monitoring control program s, we used the ICT filariasis test to assess residual antigen levels follow ing antifilarial treatment. Our results demonstrate that antigen levels per sist in microfilaria-negative persons for up to three years after treatment . Different strategies for monitoring control programs may have to be consi dered.