Live adult worms detected by ultrasonography in human Bancroftian filariasis

Am J Trop Med Hyg. 1994 Jun;50(6):753-7. doi: 10.4269/ajtmh.1994.50.753.

Abstract

Ultrasonographic examination of the scrotal area was performed in 14 asymptomatic individuals with bancroftian filariasis and microfilaremia. While in seven subjects (50%) the ultrasonographic findings were normal, lymphatic dilation and tortuosity were observed in the other seven. In these vessels, structures with peculiar aleatory movements (filaria dance sign) were detected. A segment of the lymphatic tract containing these mobile intraluminal structures that was resected surgically from the left spermatic cord of one individual confirmed that these structures were living Wuchereria bancrofti adult worms (two females and one male). Our study demonstrates for the first time the feasibility of using a low-cost, widely available, noninvasive technique (ultrasonography) to detect and monitor living adult worms and lymphatic dilation in patients with bancroftian filariasis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Animals
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / diagnostic imaging*
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / parasitology
  • Elephantiasis, Filarial / surgery
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymphatic System / diagnostic imaging*
  • Lymphatic System / parasitology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Scrotum / diagnostic imaging*
  • Scrotum / parasitology
  • Ultrasonics
  • Ultrasonography
  • Wuchereria bancrofti / isolation & purification*