Page 52 - MNU-PM503 Parasitology practical book

Pharm D- Clinical Pharmacy Program Third Level Parasitology and virology (PM503)

1- Detection of microfilariae in blood:

i. Direct fresh smear under dark ground illumination to see motile microfilaria.

ii. Giemsa-stained thick blood film, to show stained fixed microfilaria with

characteristic morphology.

iii. Concentration of microfilaria (Knott’s method):

iv. Provocative test: Diethylcarbamazine is given orally (2-8 mg/ kg body weight)

to stimulate microfilaria to circulate in the peripheral blood during daytime after

30-45 minutes.

2- Detection of microfilariae from chylous urine or fluid aspirated from hydrocele and

peritoneal cavity.

3- Detection of adults:

 X-ray to detect calcified dead worm.
 Biopsy of enlarged lymph nodes may detect worms and microfilariae.
Indirect methods:

1) Immunodiagnosis:

It is of value during the incubation period and in late chronic infection when

microfilaria are absent from peripheral blood

- Detection of anti-filaria antibodies using IFAT, ELISA and CFT: ----- Detection

of circulating filarial antigen.

2) Differential leucocytic count for eosinophilia

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