02755nas a2200337   4500000000100000008004100001260002500042653002500067653002000092653001700112653001000129100001300139700001300152700001300165700001200178700001300190700001300203700001300216700001300229700001200242700001200254700001400266700001400280700001400294700001400308245015900322856015300481300001100634520175800645022001402403       2026                            d  c07/2026bElsevier BV10aLymphatic filariasis10aIgG4 antibodies10aBm14 antigen10aELISA1 aMutai WC1 aOyugi JO1 aOgoti BM1 aAkumu R1 aMwania D1 aOfire MO1 aOfwete R1 aOmanje V1 aOchol D1 aChami I1 aSempele I1 aGitahi PN1 aOmondi WP1 aOdongo DO00aSerological and Spatial Assessment of Lymphatic Filariasis Transmission Interruption in the Coastal Region of Kenya: Evidence from Pre-TAS and TAS Surveys  uhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1201971226005813/pdfft?md5=584bd73842246b1a2cd8615a71b6dbcd&pid=1-s2.0-S1201971226005813-main.pdf  a1 - 293 a<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>
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