An Unusual Presentation of Human Parotid Filariasis

Abstract

Human filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi continues to circulate within Northern and Central Thailand and Southern Thailand, respectively. Major clinical presentations comprise lymphedema of extremities, hydrocele, funiculitis, orchitis, and tropical pulmonary eosinophilia. Microfilaria in other organs is rare. We report an unusual case of a 48-year-old woman from Southern Thailand with parotid filariasis presenting with chronic parotid gland enlargement. Wuchereria bancrofti microfilaria was observed within cytologic smear samples from the swollen left parotid gland and subsequently confirmed via a positive filaria immunoblot. The patient’s condition was successfully resolved through administration of a triple regimen consisting of three antiparasitic medications.