Implications of 2D Ultrasound Findings of the Scrotum in Asymptomatic Microfilaria Carriers of Wuchereria bancrofti Infection

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The incubation period of lymphatic filarial disease is long, and a large proportion of individuals infected with W. bancrofti are asymptomatic. In India, the most common presenting clinical manifestation is hydrocele of tunica vaginalis testes among males. Detection of the hydrocele in the community is considered to be a rapid assessment method for lymphatic filariasis delimitation. However, detection of early clinical manifestations is a challenge for clinicians. In the present study, the application of simple two- dimensional (2D) ultrasound procedure was explored as a way to determine the structural changes in the scrotum among male Mf carriers. Although there were no significant differences in the size of the various scrotal structures between asymptomatic Mf carriers and endemic normal subjects, sub-clinical changes in the scrotal structures and lymphatic vessel were observed in 83.3% (10⁄12) of asymptomatic Mf carriers. In the present communication, the therapeutic implications of the above findings are discussed.
2009-03-01