Specific detection of human antibodies to Onchocerca volvulus

Abstract

Specific diagnosis of antibodies to Onchocerca was achieved through (1) the construction of direct and indirect ELISA systems, and (2) restricting ELISA assays to the IgG4 class. The direct ELISA was based on the isolation of a surface derived, low molecular weight surface antigen preparation containing two main antigens (M. wt.16.2 and 12.8 kDA) as defined by Western blot analysis. The direct ELISA system detected antibodies in children of six years old, and may therefore be applicable to detecting reinvasion in OCP areas of Onchocerca volvulus control. The indirect ELISA system was a competitive binding ELISA-based assay using a monoclonal antibody recognising two Onchocerca components (M...