Microfilaria of Wuchereria bancrofti in cytologic smears: a report of 5 cases with unusual presentations.

BACKGROUND

Endemicity of filariasis in tropical countries calls for its high incidence. However, the disease is often overlooked or misdiagnosed because unusual presentations. As a result the patients are often subjected to numerous investigations before a definitive diagnosis is made.

CASES: Microflaria ofWucheria bancrofti was observed in fine needle aspiration (FNA) smears of 5 cases including 1 axilla?ry lump, 1 epididymal nodule, 1 spermatic cord nodule and 2 thyroid nodules. All 5 cases presented with clinical details not diagnostic of filariasis.

CONCLUSION

The importance of detecting microfilaria in unsuspected cases cannot be undermined and has been highlighted in this report. Careful screening of FNA smears might be helpful in detecting microfilaria even in patients not presenting with features characteristic of the disease. It will prevent delay in institution of specific therapy and subsequent morbidity of the patient.