CASE REPORT OF MICROFILARIA IN CERVICAL PAP SMEAR: A COMMON PARASITE IN AN UNUSUAL SITE

Abstract

Introduciton: Filariasis is a common public health problem in Asian countries. Filariae have
also been known to be present in any possible site, possibly because of their ability to migrate
along the lymphatics. This paper reports the finding of microfilariae in cervical pap smear.
Case Report: A 33-year-old woman presented to Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department
with chief complaints of pain lower abdomen for 15 days. Per speculum and Per vaginal
examination revealed no clinical abnormal finding. The smears revealed sheathed
microfilariae with its smooth graceful curves and well stained nuclei not extending up to the tip
of the tail. It was thus a case of isolated cervico-vaginal presentation. The patient was put on
anti filarial therapy.
Conclusion: This case highlights the value of proper and careful screening of the cytological
smears in the detection of asymptomatic and clinically unsuspected cases of Bancrofti
Filariasis.