A 22 year follow-up study on lymphatic filariasis in Tanzania: Analysis of immunological responsiveness in relation to long-term infection pattern

► Predisposition to infection was observed among people infected with Wuchereria bancrofti in Tanzania ► Previous infection status was a strong predictor of current infection status. ► IL-4, IL-5 and IFNγ were associated with a negative infection status and IL-10 with a positive status. ► Specific IgG3 and IgE were associated with a negative infection status and specific IgG4 with a positive status. ► The findings suggest that specific cellular and antibody responses are more related to current than past infection status.