Detection of Filarial IgG and IgM Antibodies Among Individuals With Lymphedema in the Kamwenge District, Western Uganda

Abstract

Filarial infections trigger a complex immune response characterized by the production of different antibodies, particularly immunoglobulin G (IgG) and immunoglobulin M (IgM). These immunoglobulins play a key role in diagnosing the disease, with IgM typically indicating recent infection and IgG reflecting past or ongoing exposure. Assessing their presence provides valuable insight into an individual's immune response and infection history. This study examined the levels of IgG and IgM in people living with lymphedema in the Kamwenge district, Western Uganda, to better understand their immunological status in relation to filarial infection. This cross-sectional study, conducted in the Kamwenge district, aimed to assess the presence of anti-filarial antibodies among lymphedema patients. A total of 154 participants, predominantly female (71.4%), with a mean age of 54.7 years, were selected through simple random sampling. Serological testing using the Abbexa Filariasis IgG/IgM Rapid Test revealed that 10.4% tested positive for IgG, and 1.9% for IgM antibodies. We enrolled a total of 154 participants, the majority of whom were female 110 (71.4%) while 44 (28.6%) were male. The participants had a mean age of 54.7 years, with a standard deviation of 15.6 years. Overall, 10.4% (n=16) tested positive for filarial antibodies. Specifically, 10.4% (n=16) were positive for filarial IgG, while 1.9% (n=3) tested positive for IgM antibodies. The serological findings demonstrated a low prevalence of recent filarial infections, with a higher occurrence of past or chronic exposure among participants. This suggests that while active transmission may be limited, lymphatic filariasis remains an ongoing public health concern in the Kamwenge district. These results emphasize the need for continued surveillance, early detection, and targeted interventions to effectively manage and mitigate the burden of filarial-related lymphedema in the region.

Keywords: filarial igg and igm antibodies; kamwenge uganda; lymphatic filariasis; lymphedema; podoconiosis.

Figure 1. The principal investigator with one of the participants who had lymphedema, an ulcerative wound on her right leg, and cellulitis on both legs.