Filariasis presenting as an upper arm swelling – an unusual presentation

Mona Dahal,Paricha Upadhyaya,Sushil Dhakal,Soorya Bhattarai,Purbesh Adhikari

doi:10.3126/jpn.v8i1.19461

Mona Dahal, Paricha Upadhyaya + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3126/jpn.v8i1.19461

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Abstract

Filariasis is a chronic disabling parasitic disease causing a major public health problem in tropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is endemic in India, China, Nepal, Indonesia, parts of Asia and Africa. In Southeast Asia it is caused mainly by W. bancrofti and Brugia species. Microfilaria is known to be present in cytology smears prepared from swelling at various sites and also in different body fluids. However, upper arm swelling as a clinical presentation of filariasis is a very rare event. If cytology smears are screened with high index of suspicion in this group of otherwise asymptomatic patients, early institution of proper treatment can both prevent the complication of the disease as well as break the chain of transmission from healthy carriers.

Highlights

Filariasis is a chronic disabling parasitic disease causing a major public health problem in tropical areas of Southeast Asia
We report a case of subcutaneous upper extremity swelling caused by W bancrofti which was diagnosed by demonstration of microfilaria in cytological smears.[2]
Cytology showed large numbers of sheathed microfilariae of W. bancrofti with a clear space of nuclei at its caudal end. Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear findings was found to be normal in the patient

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Filariasis is a chronic disabling parasitic disease causing a major public health problem in tropical areas of Southeast Asia. It is endemic in India, China, Nepal, Indonesia, other parts of Asia and Africa.[1,2] In Nepal sixty one districts of the country were mapped as endemic for lymphatic filariasis.[3]. It is commonly caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and transmitted by mosquito vector, Culex quinque fasciatus. We report a case of subcutaneous upper extremity swelling caused by W bancrofti which was diagnosed by demonstration of microfilaria in cytological smears.[2]. Cytology showed large numbers of sheathed microfilariae of W. bancrofti with a clear space of nuclei at its caudal end. (fig.[1] to 3) Complete blood count (CBC) and peripheral blood smear findings was found to be normal in the patient

Findings

DISCUSSION

CONCLUSION