MULTISITE MICROFILARIA DETECTION USING FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY (FNAC): A COMPREHENSIVE ANALYSIS

Abstract

Introduction: Filariasis, a parasitic infection caused by several types of nematode worms, is
a matter of great concern for public health in India, The disease is caused by microfilaria,
which are released into the peripheral blood circulation with periodicity during the night.
However, identifying microfilaria in routine peripheral blood smears, Fine Needle Aspiration
(FNAC) smears, and body fluids is challenging due to their scarce nature. Our study aimed to
underscore the significance of having a heightened suspicion of filarial infection in patients
with swelling, particularly those from endemic regions. Furthermore, the study emphasised
the importance of using FNAC as an economical and effective diagnostic tool for detecting
microfilaria.