Incidental detection of microfilaria in cyst fluid of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary: A rare case report

Real time ultrasound diagnosis of ovarian and pelvic filariasis by filarial dance sign

Parasitic infestations of the ovary are quite rare with ovary being the least common site of infection in the female genital tract. Filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by filarial nematodes (Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayai, Brugia timori). It causes lymphatic obstruction with resultant edema and increase in the size of the affected organ. We report a case of 24-year-old married female who presented to our radiology department for ultrasound evaluation with the main aim being to look for retained products of conception after the termination of early pregnancy. However on ultrasound examination ovarian filariasis was an incidental diagnosis with the classical twirling movement (filarial dance sign) seen in one of the follicles of the ovary. Ultrasound is the imaging modality of choice for detecting the adult filarial worm/microfilaria in the lymphatic system. Ovarian filariasis is a very rare diagnosis with only a handful of cases being reported in literature with most cases being diagnosed incidentally on histopathological examination of the post operative specimen.

Ovarian Filariasis in a Wild Southern Tamandua (Tamanduatetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae)

Knowledge of reproductive health in wild southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae) is fragmentary. During necropsies of roadkill xenarthran species in Brazil, a case of ovarian filariasis in an adult female southern tamandua was observed. Macroscopically, both ovaries were irregularly enlarged and had numerous smooth protuberances. Histologically, the affected ovarian parenchyma presented adult nematodes (including females with microfilaria) surrounded by pleocellular inflammatory infiltrates. The morphological characteristics of the nematodes were consistent with the superfamily Filarioidea (order Spirurida). The adjacent ovarian parenchyma had developing and atretic follicles at different stages of maturation. Filarial nematodes were not observed in other tissues. The cause of death of this tamandua was fatal acute polytrauma as a consequence of the motor vehicle collision. This case adds to a prior report of ovarian filariasis in two southern tamanduas in Nicaragua and Guatemala, dating back almost 100 years, and suggests filarial infections could potentially have an impact on reproductive success in southern tamanduas and possibly other xenarthrans. Several xenarthran species are under different levels of threat and knowledge of their basic reproductive health is crucial for conservation programs.

Cytological diagnosis of microfilaria coexistent with suspected malignancy of breast and ovary in a young pregnant female

Filariasis is a major health issue of tropical and subtropical regions and is endemic in India. It is rarely seen in cytological smears, exfoliative scrapings or in effusions. We present the case of a 29-year old female with filaria found on cytological examination of both breast and ovary.

COVID-19 unfolding filariasis: The first case of SARS-CoV-2 and Wuchereria bancrofti coinfection

With the evolution of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the number of patients brought to medical attention has increased. This has led to the unmasking of many coexisting occult infections and comorbidities such as tuberculosis, dengue, human immunodeficiency viral infection, diabetes, and hypertension. We report the first case of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, unveiling the diagnosis of asymptomatic filariasis. A 37-year-old gentleman presented with shortness of breath, fever, and cough. He was found to have COVID-19 pneumonia. During his stay, microfilaria of Wuchereria bancrofti was detected incidentally on a blood smear exam. Consequently, the patient received appropriate treatment for both conditions. In order not to miss relevant concomitant diagnoses, it is prudent to keep a broad differential diagnosis when faced with SARS-CoV-2–infected patients; this is especially true when atypical symptoms are present or in areas endemic with other infections.