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An unexpected peripheral blood finding: microfilaria
John R Krause1, Meleissa Hutcheson1, Rebecca Ardoin1
1Department of Pathology, Baylor University Medical Center at DallasDallasTexas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|April 22, 2020
Summary
Microfilaria, a type of parasitic worm, were unexpectedly found in a Texas patient. This highlights the importance of considering rare parasitic infections in diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Tropical Medicine
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Microfilaria are known causative agents of filariasis, a parasitic disease.
- These parasites are not endemic to the continental United States.
- Global travel and migration increase the likelihood of encountering non-native pathogens.
Observation:
- A routine peripheral blood smear was performed in an emergency room setting.
- Microfilaria were identified during the microscopic examination of the blood sample.
- The patient was an individual from native African origin residing in Texas.
Findings:
- The presence of microfilaria in a patient residing in the continental US is an unusual finding.
- The identification was made on a standard peripheral blood smear.
- The patient's origin and travel history are key factors.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider parasitic infections in patients with relevant travel or ethnic backgrounds.
- Diagnostic laboratories may encounter unexpected pathogens due to global population movements.
- This case underscores the need for broad differential diagnoses in clinical practice.
