Microfilaria in cervical smear

A 32-year-old female Indian patient presented with a 4-month history of flu-like illness troublesome bloodstained vaginal discharge and a swelling in her left lower limb. She had normal vaginal deliveries in the past and her periods were fairly regular. There was no history of any significant previous medical or surgical illness. There was no history of tubercular contact. A general examination revealed non-pitting oedema and thickened skin in her left thigh and inguinal region. Inguinal lymphadenopathy was also present on the left side. Vaginal examination showed a healthy cervix although a reddish brown discharge was noted. A cervical smear was performed. Full blood count erythrocyte sedimentation rate and a chest X-ray were all normal except for a raised eosinophil count (0.8 x 109 I/l). Serological examinations performed at the time were positive for filariasis. The cervical smear examination detected sheathed microfilarial larvae. The larvae measured approximately 300 microns in length and were nucleated throughout the central axis except for the terminal ends. An increased number of polymorph-nuclear cells were noted in the smear sample. (excerpt)