Unusual presentation of filariasis as an abscess: A case report

Filariasis presenting as a solitary testicular mass

In an endemic country like India, the occurrence of filariasis is very common, especially in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu. The present study describes the case of a male from a nonendemic state who presented with a testicular lump. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the lump revealed many adult filarial worms. The appearance of adult filarial worms in different sites, other than lymph nodes and lymphatic vessels, are relatively rarer and should always be reported. Filariasis remains asymptomatic for a long time and responds very well to treatment if diagnosed early. Despite the availability of multiple diagnostic options, FNAC holds a great importance in diagnosing filariasis, especially in cases where there are normal eosinophil counts and no peripheral filarial parasite. Finally, careful examination of cytological smear for the parasite in high-risk groups is helpful in labeling the disease in early asymptomatic states.

Microfilaria: not always associated with eosinophilia

Filariasis is a parasitic infection seen predominantly in tropical and subtropical countries including India. In clinically suspected cases, examining a thick wet mount smear or a buffy coat film is most informative. In unsuspected cases, however, eosinophilia in a peripheral blood smear (PBS) may be the sole indicator of parasitaemia. A few cases of tissue microfilaria with the absence of peripheral blood eosinophilia (PBE) have been reported. Here, we report two cases of microfilaria in PBS in the absence of PBE. A routine screening of the tail end of all PBS at low power magnification is also advised as it may facilitate the detection of asymptomatic cases when there is a normal eosinophil count.

Lymphatic Filariasis Presenting as a Swelling over the Upper Arm: A Case Report

Filariasis continues to be one of the endemic problems worldwide with 40% of the cases in India. We report a case of lymphatic filariasis in a 32-year old female who presented with a non-tender swelling over left upper arm. Blood sample showed no eosinophilia while the FNAC was diagnostic of W. bancrofti. Patient responded well with oral diethylcarbamazine. High index of suspicion of filariasis is indicated when dealing with a swelling of unknown cause especially in filariasis endemic areas.