Field evaluation of IgG4 serology for the diagnosis of onchocerciasis in children.

IgG4 serology was evaluated for early diagnosis of onchocerciasis in children living within an endemic focus of forest-type onchocerciasis in Nigeria. IgG4 serology proved to be more sensitive than conventional skin snip examination being able to detect 42% of infected children as opposed to 24% by snip examination. Furthermore, age was not a limitation to the technique within the 8-12 y spectrum. We conclude that IgG4 serology in children is a reliable indicator of community microfilarial rate and ongoing transmission of onchocerciasis.