Use of Brugia Rapid dipstick and ICT test to map distribution of lymphatic filariasis in the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste.

ABSTRACT

The newly-introduced Brugia Rapid dipstick for filarial antibodies and ICT filarial antigen card test were used to confirm historical data on the distribution of lymphatic filariasis in the Republic of Timor-Leste. Twelve out of thirteen districts were confirmed as being endemic. Brugian filariasis predominates, with an average prevalence of 11.6%. The average prevalence of Bancroftian filariasis was 1.1%. The study demonstrated that the Brugia Rapid test can provide useful information about the distribution of Brugian filariasis in circumstances where it is difficult or impossible to obtain night blood samples for microfilariae.