Cross-Reactivity of Filariais ICT Cards in Areas of Contrasting Endemicity of Loa loa and Mansonella perstans in Cameroon: Implications for Shrinking of the Lymphatic Filariasis Map in the Central African Region

Background Immunochromatographic card test (ICT) is a tool to map the distribution of Wuchereria bancrofti. In areas highly endemic for loaisis in DRC and Cameroon, a relationship has been envisaged between high L. loa microfilaria (Mf) loads and ICT positivity. However, similar associations have not been demonstrated from other areas with contrasting levels of L. loa endemicity. This study investigated the cross-reactivity of ICT when mapping lymphatic filariasis (LF) in areas with contrasting endemicity levels of loiasis and mansonellosis in Cameroon

Correlation between ICT positivity rate and <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> Mf prevalence.

<p>Correlation between ICT positivity rate and <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> Mf prevalence.</p

Logistic regression analysis of ICT results according to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> load among the Mf carriers.

<p>Numbers in brackets are percentages.</p><p>Logistic regression analysis of ICT results according to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> load among the Mf carriers.</p

Infection profile of ICT positives cases with respect to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>perstans</i> infection status using day blood.

<p>Infection profile of ICT positives cases with respect to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>perstans</i> infection status using day blood.</p

Percentage of positive results using ICT card according to the <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> load of microfilariae.

<p>R = 0.438; p < 0.001</p><p>Percentage of positive results using ICT card according to the <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> load of microfilariae.</p

Map of the study area.

<p>Map of the study area.</p

Age distribution of the study population.

<p>Age distribution of the study population.</p

Gender and age-related prevalence of ICT test card, lymphoedema and diurnal microfilaraemia (TBF).

<p>No <i>W</i>. <i>bancrofti</i> Mf were found in ICT positive and lymphoedema cases.</p><p>Gender and age-related prevalence of ICT test card, lymphoedema and diurnal microfilaraemia (TBF).</p

Infection profile of lymphoedema cases with respect to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>perstans</i> infection status using day blood.

<p>Infection profile of lymphoedema cases with respect to <i>L</i>. <i>loa</i> and <i>M</i>. <i>perstans</i> infection status using day blood.</p