Abstract
To throw light on cytologic findings as a possible mode of diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis.Filariasis has worldwide distribution, but lymphatic filariasis predominantly affects tropical and subtropical regions. Demonstration of microfilaremia, the specific test for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis, often shows false negative results in endemic areas. The present study, done in an endemic area, showed the presence of microfilariae or adult worms of Wuchereria bancrofti in fine needle aspirates collected from amicrofilariaemic cases. In a few cases the discovery was incidental. A total 4,534 cases undergoing cytologic evaluation were carefully screened for the presence of adult worms or larvae, irrespective of clinical diagnosis. Microfilariae were demonstrated in both clinically suspected cases of filariasis and asymptomatic cases.A total of 1 positive cases were found; in 4 cases the clinical diagnosis was lymphatic filariasis, and 7 cases were asymptomatic. All 11 cases were amicrofilariaemic.Various sophisticated investigations are used for diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis without microfilaremia. Fine needle aspiration cytology, being a cheap, simple and easy procedure, may have some role in this field, but further detailed studies are needed before any final claim.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
