Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings

Lymphatic filariasis Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiology
Causes
Differentiating Lymphatic Filariasis from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Ultrasound
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Surgery
Primary Prevention
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings On the Web
Most recent articles
Most cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings
CDC on Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings
Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings in the news
Blogs on Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings
Directions to Hospitals Treating Lymphatic filariasis
Risk calculators and risk factors for Lymphatic filariasis laboratory findings

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Kalsang Dolma, M.B.B.S.[2]

Laboratory Findings

• The standard method for diagnosing active infection is the identification of microfilariae in a blood smear by microscopic examination. The microfilariae that cause lymphatic filariasis circulate in the blood at night (called nocturnal periodicity). Blood collection should be done at night to coincide with the appearance of the microfilariae, and a thick smear should be made and stained with Giemsa or hematoxylin and eosin. For increased sensitivity, concentration techniques can be used.

• Because lymphedema may develop many years after infection, lab tests are most likely to be negative with these patients.

• The eosinophilia is often accompanied by high levels of IgE (Immunoglobulin E) and antifilarial antibodies.