The microfilarial periodic pattern of Wuchereria bancrofti in Kenya
Gatika, S.M.; Fujimaki, Y.; Njuguna, M.N.; Gachihi, G.S.; Mbugua, J.M.
Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene 97(1): 60-64
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0022-5304 PMID: 8107176 Document Number: 429502
The microfilarial periodic pattern of Wuchereria bancrofti in Kenya was confirmed by the statistical method proposed by Aikat and Das (1977). Fifteen microfilariae-positive individuals were brought to Nairobi from Malindi, which is one of the filariasis foci on the coast of Kenya. From each individual a 60- micro l finger prick blood film was made every 2 h throughout one complete 24 h cycle. The blood films were dried for at least 48 h 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 microfilarial density occurred at 0056 h (4 minutes to 1 a.m.) and the periodicity index was 117.08, confirming the nocturnal periodicity.