Microfilaria Antibody

Bacterial/ Viral

Report in 48Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Helps in the early diagnosis of filarial infection before microfilariae are visible in the blood

₹1,375₹1,980

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Microfilaria Antibody Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Detects antibodies against microfilariae parasites to identify filarial infections caused by nematode worms (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, Onchocerca volvulus, and other species)
- Helps diagnose lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis) and other filarial diseases in patients presenting with symptoms such as lymphedema, fever, or localized inflammation
- Used to screen individuals in endemic regions or travelers returning from areas with high prevalence of filariasis
- Ordered when patients exhibit signs of lymphatic obstruction, recurrent fever, or unexplained lymphadenopathy
- Performs well during chronic phases of infection when microfilaremia may be absent but antibodies are present
Normal Range
- Negative Result: No detectable antibodies against microfilariae
- Normal Interpretation: Indicates absence of filarial infection or no prior exposure to microfilariae parasites
- Units: Results expressed as antibody titer or optical density (OD) values, typically compared against cutoff values established by the laboratory
- Positive Result: Detectable antibodies indicating current or past filarial infection
- Reference ranges vary by laboratory and testing methodology (ELISA, indirect hemagglutination assay, immunofluorescence); always consult specific laboratory reference values
- Borderline values may require repeat testing or additional confirmatory tests
Interpretation
- Positive Result: Suggests current filarial infection or past exposure; requires clinical correlation with symptoms and additional parasitological testing
- High Antibody Titers: Indicate active or recent infection; suggest clinical disease manifestations may be present
- Low or Borderline Titers: May indicate past infection, partial immunity, or early infection stage; clinical context is essential for interpretation
- Negative Result: Rules out filarial infection with high probability but cannot completely exclude early infection during the window period before antibody formation
- False Positives: Cross-reactivity may occur with other helminthic infections (schistosomiasis, toxoplasmosis); geography and exposure history matter
- False Negatives: Can occur in early infection before antibody development or in some immunocompromised patients
- Factors Affecting Results: Immunosuppression, malnutrition, concurrent infections, geographic origin, and time since exposure influence test sensitivity and specificity
- Best used in conjunction with blood smear microscopy, antigen detection tests, and clinical evaluation for definitive diagnosis
Associated Organs
- Lymphatic System: Primary organ system affected; parasites obstruct lymphatic vessels causing lymphedema, particularly in lower extremities and genital area
- Blood: Microfilariae circulate in bloodstream; parasites cause inflammatory response and immune activation
- Lungs: Affected in some cases, causing pulmonary symptoms; eosinophilia and lung inflammation can develop
- Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue: Affected in onchocerciasis; causes nodules, dermatitis, and systemic hypersensitivity reactions
- Diseases Associated with Abnormal Results: Lymphatic filariasis (elephantiasis), bancroftian filariasis, brugian filariasis, onchocerciasis (river blindness), loiasis
- Complications: Acute lymphangitis, severe lymphedema, genital complications, blindness (onchocerciasis), organ dysfunction from chronic inflammation
- Secondary infections: Bacterial superinfections of lymphedematous areas are common complications
Follow-up Tests
- Blood Smear Microscopy: Night blood preparation to detect circulating microfilariae; recommended for positive antibody results
- Antigen Detection Tests: Immunochromatographic card tests or ELISA for filarial antigens to confirm active infection
- Complete Blood Count: Assess for eosinophilia and baseline hematologic parameters before treatment
- Ultrasonography: Evaluate lymph node involvement, assess for 'filarial dance sign' in scrotal ultrasound for male patients
- Liver Function Tests: Monitor baseline values and response to antiparasitic therapy
- Repeat Antibody Testing: May be needed after treatment to monitor antibody decline or assess treatment response
- PCR Testing: Molecular testing for specific filarial species identification and confirmatory diagnosis in reference laboratories
- Baseline Tests Before Treatment: Comprehensive metabolic panel, glucose, and renal function tests required before initiating antiparasitic therapy
Fasting Required?
- Fasting: Not required for this test
- Patient Preparation: No special preparation necessary; routine blood draw procedure applies
- Medications: No medications need to be withheld before testing; continue routine medications as prescribed
- Timing Consideration: Blood can be collected at any time of day; timing less critical than with microfilaremia testing (which requires night blood)
- Fluid Intake: Normal fluid intake and diet can be maintained prior to testing
- Standard Instructions: Inform phlebotomist of any anticoagulant medications; wear comfortable clothing for easy blood draw access

How our test process works!