Microfilaria is not seen in: September 2009
**Core Concept:** Microfilariae are the immature forms of filarial worms, primarily transmitted by mosquitoes. They are typically found in the peripheral blood of infected individuals.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right:** Microfilariae are most commonly seen in the peripheral blood of patients suffering from filarial infections, such as lymphatic filariasis caused by Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi. The correct answer (A) is right because it highlights that microfilariae are not commonly seen in the blood during the night. This is because the mosquitoes, which act as vectors for these parasites, are most active during the night. Transmission of filarial worms to humans occurs when an infected mosquito bites a human and injects microfilariae into the skin, followed by their migration to the bloodstream.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect:**
A. Microfilariae can be seen in the blood during the day, but the correct answer (A) is right because it focuses on the reduced presence of microfilariae in the blood during the night, which is a defining characteristic of the correct answer.
B. Microfilariae are seen in the blood during the day, but this option is incorrect as it contradicts the defining characteristic of microfilariae being present in the blood during the night.
C. Microfilariae are seen in the blood during the day and at night, which is incorrect because it does not address the core characteristic of microfilariae being less frequent in the blood during the night.
D. Microfilariae are seen in the blood during the day and early evening, which is incorrect because it does not address the specific characteristic of microfilariae being present in the blood during the night.
**Clinical Pearls:**
1. Microfilariae are typically observed in the peripheral blood during the night when the mosquitoes are less active.
2. The presence of microfilariae in the blood is one of the clinical features used to diagnose filarial infections like lymphatic filariasis.
3. Understanding the typical nocturnal presence of microfilariae is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management of filarial diseases.
**Correct Answer:** B. Microfilariae are seen in the blood during the day