Cytomorphologic profile of lymphatic filariasis

Abstract

Objective: To review the cytologic findings in 34 cases of lymphatic filariasis reported on fine needle aspiration cytology for the identification of various parasitic structures.

Study design: Retrospective study of consecutive cytologically diagnosed lymphatic filariasis in a nine-year period.

Results: Thirty-three cases were confirmed as filariasis; 30 had microfilariae (group 1). Three cases (group 2) showed no microfilariae. The diagnosis in group 2 was based on the identification of an adult male worm (1 case), nongravid female worm (1 case) and fertilized eggs (1 case). Thirteen cases in group 1 also had fragments of gravid female worm.

Conclusion: Lymphatic filariasis can be diagnosed in the absence of microfilariae by identifying other parasitic fragments.