Lymphatic filariasis (LF), primarily caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, and onchocerciasis, caused by Onchocerca volvulus (Ov), are targeted for elimination in Africa. Integration of both elimination programs offers advantages arising from overlapping geographic endemicity; ability to share treatment programs using ivermectin; shared surveillance activities for post-elimination phases; and savings in time, money, and human labor. Integration requires improved diagnostic tools for surveillance and mapping.

PATH, Standard Diagnostics, Inc. (SD), and the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease (NIAID) at the National Institutes of Health are collaborating to develop a biplex rapid diagnostic test (RDT) that detects IgG4 antibodies against both the Ov16 antigen, specific for O. volvulus, and the Wb123 antigen, specific for W. bancrofti. To date, the project team has developed and transferred a proof-ofconcept onchocerciasis/LF biplex test prototype to a manufacturer; completed and readied a prototype for field testing; and developed a human monoclonal IgG4 antibody positive control for Wb123 to support test quality assurance (QA).