The microfilarial periodic pattern of Wuchereria bancrofti in Kenya.

Abstract

Microfilarial periodic pattern of Wuchereria bancrofti in Kenya was confirmed by the statistical method proposed by Aikat and Das (1977). Fifteen microfilarial positive individuals were brought to Nairobi from Malindi, which is one of the filariasis foci on the coastal area of Kenya. From each individual a 60-microliter finger prick blood film was made every 2 hours throughout one complete 24-hour cycle. The blood films were dried for at least 48 hours and dehaemoglobinized. The fluid was filtered using Nuclepore membrane to recover any detached microfilariae. The films were stained with Giemsa and microfilariae were counted. The peak time was 0056 h (4 minutes to 1 a.m.) and the periodicity index was 117.08, confirming the nocturnal periodicity.