Diagnostic Identification and Differentiation of Microfilariae

Abstract

The morphologic similarities of the microfilariae and their infrequency in clinical specimens in settings of endemicity present challenges to clinical laboratories in maintaining competence for accurate identification and differentiation. We present here a review of the primary filarial nematodes causing human infection, including an illustrated key, which we hope will improve the diagnostic capabilities of hematologists, microbiologists, medical technologists, and similarly qualified laboratorians.

Keywords: Brugia; Loa; Mansonella; Onchocerca; Wuchereria; filariasis; microfilariae.