Lab diagnosis of Filariasis

Lab diagnosis of Filariasis:-Asma
Lab tests:
1. Peripheral blood - to demonstrate Microfilaria.
Microfilaria may also be detected in specimens such as chylous urine/hydrocoele fluid.
2. Demonstration of adult worm in biopsy specimen.
3. Skin test-with filarial Ag.
4. Serology tests:
Demonstration of Antibodies to filarial Ag.
Demonstration of filarial Ag in blood.
5. Eosinophilia

Microfilaria can be demonstrated in:
a. Stained preparations
b. Unstained preparations
Unstained film:
 Blood smear (wet preparation) is prepared
 Microscopy shows – actively motile microfilariae
Stained film:
“Thick & thin” blood smear is prepared.
 Thick part is dehemoglobinised.
 Stained by – Giemsa, Leishman or Polychrome Methylene Blue.
 Microfilaria – seen in thick film. In thin film species can be identified.
DEC Provocation Test:
Small dose of diethyl carbamazapine
 – induces Microfilaria to appear in peripheral blood even during day time.
 Other Serological Tests:
Complement fixation
IHA, Immunodiffusion, Immunoenzyme tests, IFA.