askvity

Can filaria be seen in urine?

Published in Parasitology 1 min read

While rare, filaria (specifically, microfilariae) can be seen in urine, although it is not a common occurrence.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • Rarity: Detection of microfilariae in urine without the presence of chyluria (lymphatic fluid in the urine, making it appear milky) is uncommon.

  • Microfilariae: These are the larval stage of the filarial worm.

  • Diagnosis Challenges: In many infected individuals, microfilariae aren't present in the blood (microfilaremia) at the time they experience clinical symptoms, making diagnosis difficult.

  • Importance of Screening: Careful examination of urine samples can sometimes reveal the presence of microfilariae, allowing for diagnosis and treatment of this curable infection.

In summary, although not typical, filaria can occasionally be found in urine samples, highlighting the importance of thorough examination for diagnosis.

Related Articles