Microfilaria and filarial granulomas from fine needle aspirates: a study of 25 cases

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) for the diagnosis of filariasis. Cytological smears were studied during 2006-2009. Twenty-five cases with microfilaria were detected: 7 from lymph nodes, 5 from soft tissue, 4 from effusion fluids, 3 from breast tissue, 2 from liver tissue, 1 each from thyroid tissue, a cervicovaginal smear, a hernial sac and a spermatic cord cyst. Embryonated adult worms were seen in four cases and eosinophils were seen in 3 cases. In endemic areas the diagnosis of filariasis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of swelling. This study highlights the importance of screening smears for parasites even in the absence of clinical indications and shows eosinophils are not mandatory to diagnose microfilaria.