Microfilaria in cervicovaginal P ap smears: A common parasite hiding in an unusual site: Short series of four cases with literature review

In India, filariasis is a severe and significant public health problem. It has been reported to be present in any potential site. However, cervicovaginal Pap smear cytology rarely contains microfilariae despite the widespread occurrence. The occurrence of microfilariae in cervicovaginal smears has s...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Diagnostic cytopathology 2023-02, Vol.51 (2)
Main Authors: Kumar, Tarun, Ganesh R., Abhirami, Surabhi, Sinha, Ruchi, Bhadani, Punam Prasad
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:In India, filariasis is a severe and significant public health problem. It has been reported to be present in any potential site. However, cervicovaginal Pap smear cytology rarely contains microfilariae despite the widespread occurrence. The occurrence of microfilariae in cervicovaginal smears has seldom been reported, even as an accidental finding. In our retrospective study, four cases of clinically asymptomatic filariasis were diagnosed on a routine cervicovaginal Pap smear from January 2019 to July 2022. All microfilariae were characterized as Wuchereria bancrofti . In the present study, the majority of the cases present vaginal discharge, and the diagnosis was made by cytopathology. Therefore, it is crucial to consider and look for microfilariae in areas where they are not endemic.
ISSN:8755-1039
1097-0339
DOI:10.1002/dc.25065