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

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. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Pathology Department of ESIC Medical College and Hospital Gulbarga over a period of ten years (2013-2023). A 22-23 gauze needle made aspiration smears were stained by Papanicolaou and May-Grünwald Giemsa stain. Results: In this study, 24 cases showed the presence of microfilaria, a type of parasitic worm, despite the lack of clinical suspicion. Of these cases, eight involved breast lumps, eight involved thyroid swelling, and eight involved lymph nodes. In fifteen of these cases, fragments of adult worms were also reported, indicating a potentially more severe infection. These findings suggest the need for more diligent screening and testing to detect and treat parasitic infections before they can cause further harm. Conclusion: Filariasis is a rare disease that requires thorough screening of FNA smears, particularly in asymptomatic patients from endemic regions, to avoid missing incidental findings. Moreover, the study emphasises the cost-effectiveness and efficacy of FNAC in diagnosing microfilaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]