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Elaeophorosis, infection by the filarial worm Elaeophora schneideri, is a parasitic disease of wild ungulates in North America; however, our understanding of the relevance of E. schneideri to moose (Alces alces) morbidity and mortality is incomplete. Between March 2020 and July 2022, necropsy and histopathology were performed on 61 Shiras moose (Alces alces shirasi) in Idaho, US. Among the 41 adults (greater than 1 yr old), 21 moose were from northern Idaho, and 20 were from southeastern Idaho. Elaeophorosis was diagnosed in 24% (10 of 41). All 10 infected moose were from southeastern Idaho; none of the 21 moose from northern Idaho were infected. No juvenile moose (nine from northern and 11 from southeastern Idaho) were infected. Microfilariae were detected histologically in 9 of 10 infected moose, most consistently in brain tissue associated with lesions indicative of ischemic injury to the neuroparenchyma attributed to occlusion of arterioles and capillaries by microfilariae or fibrin thrombi, including edema, necrosis, and glial nodules. Microfilariae found in other tissues of the head, including the eye, tongue, and pinnae of some animals, as well as in lung, heart, liver, and kidney, typically were associated with inflammation. Three of the 10 infected moose had cropped ears attributed to elaeophorosis, and four exhibited abnormal behavior, which may have been due to neuropathology associated with E. schneideri microfilariae in the brain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dirofilaria immitis causes life-threatening heart disease in dogs, thus screening of dog populations is important. Lens-free technology (LFT) is a low-cost imaging technique based on light diffraction that allows computerized recognition of small objects in holographic images. We evaluated an algorithm capable of recognizing microfilariae in canine whole blood using the LFT. We examined 3 groups of 10 EDTA blood specimens, from dogs with microfilaremia (group A), healthy dogs (B), and dogs with hematologic modifications other than microfilaremia (C). The LFT analyzer photographed repeated series of 5 images of all samples. The algorithm declared a sample positive if a microfilaria was detected on ≥1, ≥2, or ≥3 of the 5 images of a series. Microfilariae were detected visually in the images in 9 of 10 cases in group A; no microfilariae were seen in the images from groups B and C. Of the 30 cases, there were 14, 4, and only 3 false-positives with the 1 of 5, 2 of 5, and 3 of 5 image cutoffs, respectively. There were no false-negatives, regardless of cutoff. LFT seems useful for detecting microfilaria and could have application in clinical pathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This study carried out as a part of the lymphedema (LE)—osteoarthritis project to know the feasibility and applicability of lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) and LE health-related quality of life (LEHRQoL) among filarial LE patients of the lower extremity. Materials and Methods: Following inclusion and exclusion criteria 30 LE patients and 30 controls were recruited in the study. After obtaining informed written consent, Tamil version of the two "self-reporting assessment tools" LEFS and LEHRQoL were applied to all the participants by two examiners independently. Feasibility was assessed by the time schedule. Internal consistency and the correlation between two examiners was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha and Karl Pearson correlation coefficient and Spearman rank correlation respectively. Results: The mean time taken for completing the LEFS and LEHRQoL questionnaire was 5 minutes and 2 seconds and 12 minutes and 8 seconds respectively. Internal consistency reliability assessment showed good internal consistency for both the examiners (Cronbach's alpha 0.816 and 0.812). There was a strong positive correlation for the cases (r = 0.956, p < 0.001; r = 0.908, p < 0.001) and controls (r = 0.992, p < 0.001; r = 0.985, p < 0.001) between the two examiners. Conclusions: LEFS and LEHRQoL were well accepted among filarial LE patients and the patients with low literacy were able to respond without any difficulty to both assessment tools. LEFS was found suitable for the assessment of lower extremity functions of the LE patients as in other diseases affecting the lower limb and it also indirectly brought out the impact on the QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Microfilaria detection on exfoliative and fluid cytology is extremely rare. • 45-year-old nulliparous female presented with complaints of lower abdominal swelling and pain. • Ascitic fluid cytology showed 3-dimensional clusters of cells along with microfilaria. • On histopathology, a diagnosis of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary was made. Filariasis is a major health problem in certain parts of India. Microfilaria detection on exfoliative and fluid cytology is extremely rare and it is even very rare to find microfilaria coexistent with neoplastic lesions. A 45-year-old nulliparous female, who presented with complaints of lower abdominal swelling and pain. Initially, a clinical diagnosis of cystadenoma was made. Ascitic fluid cytology of the patient showed 3-dimensional clusters of cells along with an occasional microfilaria. On histopathology, a diagnosis of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary was made. Most common cause of lymphatic filariasis is W. bancrofti followed by Brugia species and it affects young adults. The adult form of the filaria lodge in lymph vessels, and due to lymphatic blockage in neoplasms they appear in tissue fluid or on surface material. It is the first case report of microfilaria being detected in ovarian cystic fluid cytology in a patient of Mucinous cystadenocarcinoma of ovary. Filaria is an incidental finding in most of the cases, hence, cytopathologist should be vigilant and careful screening of all the slides should be done, especially in a country like India, where it is highly endemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Les filarioses constituent des entités infectieuses d'origine parasitaire, rares en France métropolitaine. Elles sont majoritairement importées d'Afrique, mais existent aussi en Asie et en Amérique centrale et du Sud. De ce fait, leur diagnostic doit s'envisager avant tout chez les sujets migrants originaires des pays tropicaux ou chez les expatriés ayant séjourné en zone d'endémie devant des signes cliniques évocateurs qui s'accompagnent bien souvent d'une hyperéosinophilie sanguine. En fonction de l'espèce filarienne qui est initialement suspectée, la recherche directe, l'identification et le dénombrement des larves (microfilaires) se réalisent dans le sang (par état frais, frottis sanguin et goutte épaisse, ou leucoconcentration) ou dans le suc dermique (par biopsie cutanée exsangue ou scarification). Différentes précautions relatives au prélèvement doivent être préalablement associées à l'analyse technique pour en optimiser le rendement diagnostique. Encore aujourd'hui, il semble évident que l'expertise microscopique joue un rôle clé dans la détermination d'espèce. Les méthodes indirectes, comme la sérologie, peuvent constituer de bonnes alternatives aux insuffisances des techniques directes, mais se heurtent à des limites de spécificité. Il ne s'agit donc que d'un élément diagnostique d'appoint. Au final, les directives de la prise en charge thérapeutique sont étroitement liées à la précision du diagnostic de laboratoire. Filariasis is a parasite infection that is rare in Europe. It is mostly imported from Africa, but also from Asia or Central and South America. Therefore in light of suggestive clinical signs and blood eosinophilia, its diagnosis should be primarily considered in migrant subjects or expatriates who have stayed in an endemic area. Depending on the species of filaria that is initially suspected, the direct search of microfilariae larvae has to be carried out in blood (by fresh mounting, thick and thin smear, or buffy coat concentration) or in derma (by snip test or scarification). Different sampling precautions must be associated to optimize the diagnostic performance. Even nowadays in the 21st century, microscopic expertise still plays a key-role in determining species and in counting the number of larva (microfilaria). Indirect methods, such as serology, may be good alternatives to the shortcomings of direct laboratory techniques, but they suffer from lack of specificity. Eventually, one should remember that the guidelines for therapeutic management are closely linked to the accuracy of the laboratory diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic relationship of vector-borne parasites, arthropod vectors and their hosts is prone to change under the influence of climate change, global integration, shifting demographics and deforestation. It is therefore essential to better understand parasitism in wildlife populations, including parasites transmitted by blood-feeding vectors, and explore host range and heterogeneity of parasitic infections. We investigated Giemsa stained blood smears of two sympatric Malagasy primate species (Microcebus murinus : 184 samples from 69 individuals and M. ravelobensis : 264 samples from 91 individuals) for blood-stage parasites and tested for a potential influence of host species, sex, body mass and sampling month on blood-stage parasite prevalence and infection intensity. No protozoan parasites were detected in either host species. A host-specific difference was observed in filarial nematode infections, with higher risk of infection in M. murinus (prevalence 30.43%), than in M. ravelobensis (prevalence 6.59%), which may be explained by differences in host behavior and/or immune competence, linked to the period of host-parasite coevolution. Neither sex nor sampling month influenced infection prevalence or intensity significantly. We did not observe a negative effect of microfilarial infections on host fitness when taking body mass as a proxy. Our results support the hypothesis of a long-term evolutionary adaptation of hosts and parasites, leading to persistent infection with low morbidity. Morphological and molecular analyses indicate the finding of a new species, " Lemurfilaria lemuris ". Genetic analysis furthermore showed >99% sequence identity with microfilariae described from a sympatric, larger-bodied lemur species of a different genus, suggesting low host-specificity of the detected filariae and pathogen transmission across genus boundaries. Findings contribute to a more comprehensive picture of vector-borne diseases of Malagasy lemurs. Image 1 • Small Malagasy primate species are hosts of the newly described Lemurfilaria lemuris. • Risk of microfilarial infection and infection intensity differed between host species. • This could be linked to differences in host socioecology and/or phylogeography. • No influence of microfilarial infection on host body mass was observed. • >99% sequence identity of filariae from lemur hosts of different genera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report an unusual case of adult Loa loa infection in the anterior chamber of the eye of a 65-year-old female from rural area of Jharkhand, India, with no history of travel to endemic places but the presence of microfilaria of Loa loa in blood. Loiasis is endemic to African countries, with few sporadic cases affecting the Indian population. However, in none of the reports, microfilaremia was detected. This atypical feature in this case adds to the epidemiological variations in parasitic presentations in nonendemic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Filariasis is traditionally diagnosed on finding microfilaria in peripheral blood smear and in cases of occult filariasis by immunological tests. Clinically, it presents with a wide range of symptoms and signs. We present two cases of filariasis presenting with renal symptoms warranting kidney biopsy. Histopathology of both revealed microfilaria in the glomerular capillary loop. First case was a 23-year-old male who presented with complaints of passage of milky urine. Second case was a 36-year-old female patient who presented with complaints of gross hematuria. Urine examination revealed nephrotic range proteinuria in both patients. Subsequently they underwent guided kidney biopsy for the evaluation of nephrotic range protienuria. Histopathology of both revealed microfilaria in the glomerular capillary loop. However, neither of the two cases showed proliferative changes in the glomeruli. To conclude, diagnosis of filariasis on kidney biopsy by identifying microfilaria is very rare. High index of suspicion is required to diagnose filariasis due to its wide range of clinical presentation and laboratory findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A major hindrance to evaluating nematode populations for anthelmintic resistance, as well as for screening existing drugs, new compounds, or bioactive plant extracts for anthelmintic properties, is the lack of an efficient, objective, and reproducible in vitro assay that is adaptable to multiple life stages and parasite genera. To address this need we have developed the “Worminator” system, which objectively and quantitatively measures the motility of microscopic stages of parasitic nematodes. The system is built around the computer application “WormAssay”, developed at the Center for Discovery and Innovation in Parasitic Diseases at the University of California, San Francisco. WormAssay was designed to assess motility of macroscopic parasites for the purpose of high throughput screening of potential anthelmintic compounds, utilizing high definition video as an input to assess motion of adult stage (macroscopic) parasites (e.g. Brugia malayi ). We adapted this assay for use with microscopic parasites by modifying the software to support a full frame analysis mode that applies the motion algorithm to the entire video frame. Thus, the motility of all parasites in a given well are recorded and measured simultaneously. Assays performed on third-stage larvae (L3) of the bovine intestinal nematode Cooperia spp., as well as microfilariae (mf) of the filarioid nematodes B. malayi and Dirofilaria immitis , yielded reproducible dose responses using the macrocyclic lactones ivermectin, doramectin, and moxidectin, as well as the nicotinic agonists, pyrantel, oxantel, morantel, and tribendimidine. This new computer based-assay is simple to use, requires minimal new investment in equipment, is robust across nematode genera and developmental stage, and does not require subjective scoring of motility by an observer. Thus, the “Worminator” provides a relatively low-cost platform for developing genera- and stage-specific assays with high efficiency and reproducibility, low labor input, and yields objective motility data that is not subject to scorer bias. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although there has been extensive veterinary focus on both the effectiveness of macrocyclic lactones for heartworm prevention in dogs and their adulticidal effects, little attention has been directed to their effects on heartworm microfilariae. With routine use of macrocyclic lactones, in some cases knowingly, in dogs with existing heartworm infections, veterinarians should recognize the benefits, and possible complications, arising from this behavior. Macrocyclic lactones remain our only class of heartworm prevention available, and preserving their effectiveness is critical. Drugs in this class share common traits: there are currently no Food and Drug Administration—approved microfilaricides in the US marketplace, but because all macrocyclic lactones have microfilaricidal properties (to varying degrees), they are widely used by veterinarians for this purpose. Originally formulated to be used in dogs without patent heartworm infections, all have been demonstrated as safe to use at label doses, and higher, in microfilaremic dogs. All of the product labels indicate that dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting preventive therapy. Although microfilaricidal, microfilariae reduction may take many months to occur, and some dogs may never clear. The effects of macrocyclic lactones on the numbers of circulating microfilariae may be due to several different underlying causes (i.e., direct effect on the nervous system, affecting stages found in the uterus of the female worms), but the details of all mechanisms by which microfilariae are killed and/or cleared in dogs treated with macrocyclic lactones have not yet been fully elucidated. Some 10% to 20% of heartworm-infected dogs that begin monthly heartworm preventive treatment without adulticide therapy will have the continued and persistent presence of circulating microfilariae, and the concern is that this may be selecting for resistance to these molecules. The veterinary literature now includes evidence of increased genotypic homozygosity in specific dogs in one area of the country for a marker gene associated with macrocyclic lactone resistance in nematodes of ruminants. This article will review the biology of microfilariae, as well as the evolution of diagnostic testing for heartworm infection. The effects of macrocyclic lactones on microfilaria behavior and survival will be discussed, as well as the use and effects of macrocyclic lactones in microfilaremic dogs, with or without adulticide treatment. The effect of doxycycline on heartworm microfilariae, optimal testing methodologies, and verification of effective clearance of microfilariae after adulticide treatment and microfilaricidal therapy so that dogs do not remain a potential source of infection for other dogs are all covered. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objective: To investigate which life stage of the parasite has the ability to stimulate release of pro- or anti-inflammatory mediators from macrophages. Methods: The human macrophage/monocyte cell line THP-1, the mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 and naive peritoneal macrophages (PM) from the rodent host Mastomys coucha (M. coucha) were incubated at 37 °C in 5% CO2 atmosphere with extracts of microfilariae (Mf), third stage infective larvae (L3) and adult worms (Ad) of Brugia malayi. After 48 hr post exposure, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and nitric oxide (NO) in cell-free supernatants were estimated. Results: Extracts of all the life stages of the parasite were capable of stimulating pro- (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines in both the cell lines and peritoneal macrophages of M. coucha. Mf was the strongest stimulator of pro-inflammatory cytokines followed by L3 and Ad; however, Ad was a strong stimulator of IL-10 release. Mf was found to have potential to modulate LPS-induced NO release in RAW cells. Ad-induced NO release was concentration dependent with maximum at 20 μg/mL in both RAW and PMs. Conclusions: The results show that parasites at all life stages were capable of stimulating pro- (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines and NO release from macrophages of susceptible host M. coucha, human and mouse macrophage cell lines. Mf can suppress the LPS-induced NO release in RAW cells. The findings also show that the two cell lines may provide a convenient in vitro system for assaying parasite-induced inflammatory mediator release. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction Filariasis is caused by parasitic infections, most commonly Brugia malayi and Wuchereria bancrofti . India is one of the endemic countries for such disease. The usually involved organs are lower limbs and external genitalia. Neck region is rarely involved and only a few cases have been reported in literature. Case report We reported such a case where filarial involvement has involved the neck region and reached up to the level of upper cervical vertebra. A huge neck swelling and torticollis were the main presenting features. Diagnosis was confirmed by MRI and live presence of microfilarial parasite in FNAC. The patient responded excellently to antihelminthic drugs. He has been under our regular follow-up and there has been no complication till date. Discussion The purpose of this case report was to highlight this rare presentation of microfilaria parasite. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinical manifestations of extralymphatic disease caused by filariasis are varied and range from symptoms due to tropical pulmonary eosinophilia to hematuria, proteinuria, splenomegaly, and rarely arthritis. Disseminated microfilaremia in association with loculated lung cyst and empyema is of rare occurrence and to the best of our knowledge has not been documented in the literature so far. We report here a case of disseminated microfilaremia due to Wuchereria bancrofti infection accompanied by a lung cyst and empyema in a 21-year-old Indian man. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten different mosquito species representing five genera were allowed to feed on human blood containing microfilariae (5.5-6.5 mf/µl) of nocturnal subperiodic Wuchereria bancrofti from Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand. Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus, Aedes desmotes, Downsiomyia species (=Finlaya Niveus Group), Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles dirus A, An. maculatus, An. minimus, Armigeres subalbatus, and Mansonia uniformis were fed under laboratory conditions using an artificial membrane feeding procedure. All species had adequate feeding responses (68-87.3%) and survival (66.4-81.3%) 12-15 days post-feeding. Anopheles maculatus was the most susceptible (73.1%) for development of infective thirdstage larvae (L3), followed by An. minimus (61.0%), Downsiomyia species (27.3%), Ae. desmotes (24.2%), An. dirus A (24.7%), Cx. quinquefasciatus (19.2%), Ma. uniformis (9.2%), and Ae. albopictus (0.01%). Aedes aegypti and Ar. subalbatus were found to be completely refractory. An. maculatus produced the greatest mean number of L3 per infective mosquito (5.6 L3) and Ae. albopictus the least (1 L3). The two Anopheles demonstrated significantly greater susceptibility (P < 0.05%) to W. bancrofti than the two Aedes species regarded as natural vectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The status of Dirofilaria immitis infection was assessed in pet dogs of Busan, Korea, and chemoprophylactic effects of microfilaricidal medication were evaluated. A total of 294 pet dogs older than 6 mo were examined, 217 of which had been maintained indoors, and 77 had been kept outdoors. The SnapR kit and direct microscopic examinations of the peripheral blood were used. The mean overall parasite positive rates were 10.2% and 6.5%, respectively. Outdoor dogs evidenced adult worm infection rate of 31.2% and microfilaria infection rate of 18.2%. The indoor dogs, however, evidenced adult worm infection rate of 2.8% and microfilaria infection rate of 2.3%. The prevalence in males was more than 2 times that of females. The changing pattern of infection rates by age evidenced a gradual increase, from 2- to 6-year-old dogs, after which, a decrease in infection rates was noted. With regard to chemoprophylaxis, the infection rates of complete and incomplete chemoprophylaxis groups were found to be 2-3 times lower than that of the non-chemoprophylaxis group. The results of the present study indicate that the risk of exposure to D. immitis in pet dogs is quite high, particularly in male outdoor dogs, and chemoprophylactic measures were quite effective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microfilaria are not parasites native to the continental United States. On a routine peripheral blood smear examination from an emergency room patient, a microfilaria was identified. The patient was a native African currently living in Texas. With the ability of worldwide travel and the presence of immigrant populations, unusual and/or unexpected findings might be anticipated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A total of 1,243 Ezza people living in 10 communities of Ebonyi State, eastern Nigeria were examined between July 2002-January 2003 for lymphatic filariasis. This is the first time a filariasis survey due to Wuchereria bancrofti has been carried out in this state. Of the 1,243 persons examined, 210 (16.9%) had W. bancrofti microfilariae. Infection varied significantly among communities and ages (p<0.05) but not sex-related (p>0.05). The Ezza people are predominantly farmers and professional hired labourers. There was a close association between microfilaria rate and microfilaria-density in various age groups (r = 0.8 12; p<0.01). Microfilaria density is an important measure in the epidemiology, treatment and control of human filarisis in this endemic foci. Clinical signs and symptoms of the disease include elephantiasis, hydrocoele, dermatitis and periodic fever. Clinical symptoms without microfilaraemia and microfilaraemia without clinical symptoms were also observed. Of 1,603 mosquitoes dissected, Anopheles gambiae, An.funestus and Culex quinquefasciatus showed infectivity rates of 6.3%, 5.1% and 6.0% respectively. The affected persons and other key informants are unaware of the cause of the disease and attributed it to witchcraft, violation of taboo, bad water and food. Intervention strategies to be integrated into the on-going Community-Directed Treatment with Ivermectin (CDTI) project are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on a dead whooper swan found in a cropland near a stream and was submitted to the National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service (NVRQS) in Korea for diagnosis. The heart of the whooper swan was enlarged and found to have pale and dark red stripes. A parasite was also noted on the cut surface of the whooper swan's heart. The pathological findings suggest that the whooper swan was infected with nematodes, probably Sarconema eurycerca, leading to non-suppurative myocarditis.

Although filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries including India, lymph node is an unusual site to present as filarial nodule. It is rare to find microfilaria in lymph node cytology. However, in the absence of clinical features of filariasis, fine-needle aspiration cytology may help in the diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis. We report this case, presented with filarial lymph node mass and diagnosed incidentally on a fine-needle aspiration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a 10 years old female jersey cross cow presented with dullness and pyrexia, the peripheral blood smear revealed the presence of sheathed microfilariae of Setaria spp. Knotts technique revealed 49 numbers of microfilaria in 1 mL of the sediment. Based on the morphological characters, the microfilariae was identified as Setaria labiato-papillosa. Haematological examination revealed macrocytic hypochromic anaemia, hypoproteinaemia and hyperbilirubinaemia. Ivermectin was administerd @ 200 pg/kg body weight subcutaneously. After 15 days post treatment no microfilaria was detected in the blood smear with normal haemato biochemical parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Filariasis is a major health problem in tropical countries, including India. The disease is endemic all over India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Gujarat. A heavy parasitic load may appear in the blood, urine with chyle, and at times in scrotal aspirates. It is very unusual to find microfilaria in thyroid aspirate. Here, we present a rare case in which microfilaria was found during fine needle aspiration cytology of a solitary thyroid nodule. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]