Cytodiagnosis of Filariasis – A Retrospective Study of 8 Years

Abstract

Introduction: In India Filariasis is considered to be a major public health problem. India constitutes about 20% of total global burden. Microfilaria are released and circulate in the peripheral blood with nocturnal periodicity. Due to its extremely rarity it is difficult to detect them in routine peripheral blood smears, Fine Needle Aspiration (FNAC) Smears and body fluids. The objective of our study was to emphasise on having a high index of suspicion of filarial infection in any swelling especially in patients from endemic zones. This study also aims to highlight the importance of FNAC as a cheap and effective tool to diagnose microfilaria. Material and Methods: A total of 9590 cases, with lesions in different sites were encountered in this study.The patients underwent thorough clinical examination and routine investigations.The cystic lesions that were included in this study were aspirated. The material centrifuged and smears prepared were stained with Leishman-Giemsa and PAP stain. Results: In this study out of a total of 9590 cases of superficial swellings that were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology, 11 cases of filariasis were diagnosed on routine FNAC material from various sites. Out of these11 cases, maximum cases of filariasis were reported in lymph nodes (3 cases),breast swelling (2 cases), followed by scrotal swellings (2 cases), thyroid swellings (2 cases), parotid (1 case) and Pleural (1 case). Conclusions: Filariasis is an uncommon condition and need a high index of suspicion and careful screen of FNA smears especially in asymptomatic patients belonging to endemic zones, so as not to miss this incidental finding especially in patients from endemic areas. This study also highlights the importance of FNAC as a cheap and effective tool to diagnose microfilaria.