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Review
. 2019 Sep 24;57(10):e00706-19.
doi: 10.1128/JCM.00706-19. Print 2019 Oct.

Diagnostic Identification and Differentiation of Microfilariae

Blaine A Mathison  1 , Marc Roger Couturier  2   3 , Bobbi S Pritt  4
Affiliations
Review

Diagnostic Identification and Differentiation of Microfilariae

Blaine A Mathison et al. J Clin Microbiol. .

Abstract

The morphologic similarities of the microfilariae and their infrequency in clinical specimens in settings of endemicity present challenges to clinical laboratories in maintaining competence for accurate identification and differentiation. We present here a review of the primary filarial nematodes causing human infection, including an illustrated key, which we hope will improve the diagnostic capabilities of hematologists, microbiologists, medical technologists, and similarly qualified laboratorians.

Keywords: Brugia; Loa; Mansonella; Onchocerca; Wuchereria; filariasis; microfilariae.

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Figures

FIG 1
FIG 1
Illustrated key to the microfilariae observed in blood specimens.
FIG 2
FIG 2
Morphologic comparison of Onchocerca volvulus (top) and Mansonella streptocerca (bottom) in skin specimens. Images courtesy of the CDC-DPDx.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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