Sensitive and specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the diagnosisof Wuchereria bancrofti infection in urine samples

We developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that detects fila ria-specific immunoglobulin G4 antibodies in unconcentrated urine. The ELIS A was positive in 87 of 91 (95.6%) urine samples collected from people with Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae, antigen, or both. Of 298 urine samples collected in Thailand, Lao People's Democratic Republic, and Japan, where no human filariasis is known, 295 (99.0%,) were negative by ELISA. Various intestinal nematode and fluke infections did not interfere with the ELISA. Urine samples with sodium azide could be kept at 37 degreesC for 4 weeks, a nd the time of urine collection did not influence ELISA results. This ELISA can be used to identify endemic foci of filariasis.