Microfilariae in association with other diseases. A report of six cases.

BACKGROUND

Lymphatic filariasis is a major public health problem in tropical countries. Earlier reports have reported microfilariae as an incidental finding in body fluids and fine needle aspiration smears from various sites.

CASES

The findings of body fluid cytology and fine needle aspiration smears from six patients with microfilariae in association with other conditions--tubercular pleural effusion/lymphadenitis, pregnancy and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma--are presented. Three patients demonstrated an associated eosinophilic cellular exudate. Adherence of inflammatory cells to microfilariae was seen in two patients.

CONCLUSION

Although microfilariae in cytologic smears are considered incidental findings, the association of microfilariae with debilitating conditions suggests that it is an opportunistic infection and needs further study.