Title: Diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis
Course: Communicable Diseases Part 4 - Ethiopia (Full)

Diagnosis of lymphatic filariasis

Suspected cases of lymphatic filariasis should be referred to the health centre.

You can suspect lymphatic filariasis from the clinical manifestations, but the diagnosis can only be confirmed by laboratory tests to reveal the microfilaria in blood smears viewed with a microscope. Adult worms blocking the lymphatic vessels or nodes are difficult to reach. Therefore, if you live in an endemic area and you suspect a case of lymphatic filariasis, you should refer the patient to the nearest health centre for further testing and treatment.