Description of the parasite Wucheria bancrofti microfilariae identified in follicular fluid following transvaginal oocyte retrieval.

INTRODUCTION

This case study presents an unusual finding of filarial infection within follicular fluid obtained during an in vitro fertilization (IVF) oocyte retrieval procedure.

CASE: A 41 year-old G4P1030 immigrant from western Africa underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). At the time of inspection of the follicular fluid obtained at oocyte retrieval, mobile worm-like organisms were observed and identified as Wuchereria bancrofti microfilariae (filariasis). The patient successfully underwent treatment for filariasis and Onchocerciasis co-infection. Following treatment, the patient underwent embryo transfer that failed to result in a pregnancy.

DISCUSSION: Recent years have seen an increase in international travel and immigration. Therefore, practitioners must become familiar not only with illnesses that are endemic to their geographic region but also diseases that are more common in remote regions of the world. The infertility evaluation and treatment offers physicians a unique opportunity to identify and initiate treatment for diseases that might otherwise go undiagnosed.