Wb rapid (TM): An immunochromatography test for the rapid and accurate detection of Wuchereria bancrofti filaria infection
Researchers:
Professor Rahmah Noordin
Rohana Abdul Rahman
Lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti affects more than 100 million people in 80 countries. This mosquito-transmitted disease results in symtoms that include fever, lymphatic & renal damage, adenolymphangitis, hydrocoele, chyluria, lymphoedema and elephantiasis.
Wb rapid (TM) is an immunochromatography-based rapid test for the detection of specific lgG, to W.bancrofti. It employs BmSXP recombinant antigen which is immobilized on a membrane strips. If specific antibodies are present in the test sample (serum/plasma/blood), it forms and antibody-antigen complex with the immobilized antigen; and subsequently detected by a dye conjugated antihuman lgG4, giving a pink-purplish coloured line/band. The control line contains goat anti-mouse lgG antibody which binds with the mouse anti-mouse lgG4 dye conjugate, and serves as an indication of proper migration plus reagent control. The test demonstrated sensitivity of 95-100% and specificity of 99-100%.
Wb rapid TM is a good diagnostic tool for
The Global Program for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF)
Patient diagnosis and follow-up post treatment
Screening of foreign workers from endemic countries
For more information, contact
Professor Rahmah Noordin
Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM)
Universiti Sains Malaysia
(Contact details available to registered journalists)