Cytological diagnosis of microfilariae in filariasis endemic areas of eastern Uttar Pradesh

BACKGROUND: Filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries including India. Fine needle aspiration cytology plays an important role in prompt recognition of disease. AIM: To assess the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in diagnosis of filariasis at all possible sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total 250 cases of superficial swellings at various sites were subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology. RESULTS: Out of 250 cases, 24 cases of filariasis were detected which include breast lumps (8 cases), lymph nodes (6 cases), scrotal swellings (4 cases), thyroid swellings (3 cases), soft tissue swellings (2 cases) and ascitic fluid (1 case). Eosinophilia was present in 8 out of 24 cases with a percentage ranging from 12-24%. Significant adherence of inflammatory cells and macrophages to microfilariae was present in 3 out of 24 cases. CONCLUSIONS: In endemic areas, it should be considered one of the differential diagnoses of a superficial swelling. Careful screening of FNAC smears help in detecting microfilaria even in asymptomatic patients and thus plays a significant role in recognition of the disease and institution of specific treatment.