@article{103798,
  keywords = {Lymphatic filariasis, IgG4 antibodies, Bm14 antigen, ELISA},
  author = {Mutai WC and Oyugi JO and Ogoti BM and Akumu R and Mwania D and Ofire MO and Ofwete R and Omanje V and Ochol D and Chami I and Sempele I and Gitahi PN and Omondi WP and Odongo DO},
  title = {Serological and Spatial Assessment of Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission Interruption in the Coastal Region of Kenya: Evidence from Pre-TAS and TAS Surveys},
  abstract = {<p id="cesectitle0003"><strong>Background</strong></p>

<p>Lymphatic filariasis (LF) remains a health challenge specifically in resources limited settings.</p>

<p id="cesectitle0004"><strong>Objective</strong></p>

<p>This study evaluated previous LF exposure and the impact of MDA interventions in coastal Kenya using serological and spatial evidence.</p>

<p id="cesectitle0005"><strong>Methods</strong></p>

<p>A cross-sectional survey was conducted in four LF-endemic counties. Pre-Transmission Assessment Surveys (Pre-TAS) targeted individuals aged ≥15 years, while Transmission Assessment Surveys (TAS) targeted children aged 6-7 years.&nbsp;<em>Wuchereria bancrofti</em>&nbsp;antigen was detected using Filariasis Test Strip (FTS), while IgG4 antibodies against the Bm14 antigen were measured using ELISA. PCR was performed on FTS positive samples.</p>

<p id="cesectitle0006"><strong>Results</strong></p>

<p>Overall, ELISA positivity was 12.0% (95% CI: 10.8-13.3%), higher in males (14.4%, 95% CI: 12.4-16.6%), and increased with age, peaking at 20.0%, (95% CI: 15.2-25.7%) among those over 60 years old. Geographic variation was moderate, with Kilifi (12.2%, 95% CI: 10.7-13.9%) and Kwale (11.7%, 95% CI: 9.8-14.0%) showing similar antibody prevalence. At the subcounty level, Kaloleni (18.1%, 95% CI: 13.8-23.5%) and Magarini (15.2%, 95% CI: 10.9-20.8%) had the highest seropositivity, while Msambweni (8.0%, 95% CI: 5.0-12.4%), and Kilifi North had the lowest (8.4%, 95% CI: 5.5-12.8%).</p>

<p id="cesectitle0007"><strong>Conclusion</strong></p>

<p>These findings indicate persistence of anti-filarial antibodies, particularly in older populations, underscoring the need for robust post-MDA surveillance systems.</p>
},
  year = {2026},
  journal = {International Journal of Infectious Diseases},
  pages = {1 - 29},
  month = {07/2026},
  publisher = {Elsevier BV},
  issn = {1201-9712},
  url = {https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971226005813/pdfft?md5=584bd73842246b1a2cd8615a71b6dbcd&pid=1-s2.0-S1201971226005813-main.pdf},
  doi = {10.1016/j.ijid.2026.108946},
  language = {ENG},
}