Southeast Asian Journal of Case Report and Review 2021;8(1):30–34
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Southeast Asian Journal of Case Report and Review
Journal homepage: https://www.sajcrr.com/
Case Report
Chyluria: Are we doing enough for filaria elimination?
Milind Ubale
1
, Debapriya Das Choudhury
1,
*, Vaibhav Bari
2
, Vaibhavi Nanoty
1
1
Dept. of Microbiology, Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, Thane, Maharashtra, India
2
Dept. of Pathology, Rajiv Gandhi Medical College, Kalwa, Thane, Maharashtra, India
ARTICLE INFO
Article history:
Received 12-01-2022
Accepted 14-01-2022
Available online 08-02-2022
Keywords:
Filaria
Chyluria
ABSTRACT
Filaria is known to be one of the neglected tropical disease. There are undiagnosed cases all across country
due to asymptomatic nature, prolong incubation period and late manifestation of disease, ubiquitous
mosquitoes and many are complacent when it comes to prevention; in part because of apathy towards
the disease and pronged time it takes to manifest itself. Moreover, it is difficult to convince people to take
tablet in asymptomatic stage. In this study we have reported, A 35-year-old male patient with symptoms
of chronic urinary tract infection with hematuria followed by Chyluria. Microfilaria was diagnosed in
laboratory investigations; treated with anti-filarial drugs. However, the chyluria was not completely cleared
till the last follow up indicating to lymphovenous fistula. To make India filaria free, we do not have
alternative apart from shifting Mass Drug administration program from 2 drugs (albendazole + DEC) to 3
drug (Ivermectin, DEC and albendazole) MDA strategy.
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1. Introduction
Chyluria is an unusual manifestation of filariasis with milky
white urine, due to passage of chyle into urine. It develops
as a result of communication between the lymphatic system
and the urinary system. In India, only in 2% of filariasis
cases presents with this presentation.
Filariasis is a parasitic disease, most commonly caused
by Wuchereria bancrofti (>90% cases). transmitted by
bite of Aedes, Anopheles, Culex mosquitoes. Culex
quinquefasciatus is the most important vector of W.
bancrofti. The Adult worms of W. bancrofti reside in
lymph nodes and lymphatics. The gravid female releases
microfilariae which then enter general circulation through
lymphatics. The disease can be seen as classical lymphatic
filariasis or occult filariasis.
1
* Corresponding author.
E-mail address: Debapriya.dmr@gmail.com (D. Das Choudhury).
This is a case of chronic urinary tract infection with
hematuria followed by Chyluria as a presenting complaint.
We also discuss here the approach to a common tropical
problem of ‘white urine’ along with a review of relevant
literature.
2. Case History
A 35-year-old male patient, Native of Uttar Pradesh came
to Maharashtra in search of job and was staying here
since last 5 years. Presently he is residing in Thane slum
area since last 1
1
2
years with 3 other males, working as a
labourer in a private company. The patient was apparently
alright 8 months back when he noticed white colour urine
associated with burning micturition since 1
1
2
months. He
visited a hospital following the complaints and was admitted
for 10days and given symptomatic treatment including
antibiotics (Tab. Nitrofurantoin). The urine became clear
post treatment and he remained symptom free for almost
https://doi.org/10.18231/j.sajcrr.2021.006
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