Toxoplasmosis Presenting as a Swelling in the Axillary Tail of the Breast.

Filaria can be present for several years before symptoms develop, or they may be of a nonpathogenic type. In these cases the microfilaria may be found incidentally as in the present cases. The complement fixation test is positive in up to 50 per cent of the cases of filariasis but is negative in pure Acanthocheilonema perstans infection. This test is of value in confirming a diagnosis of tropical eosinophilia due to filariasis, the commonest cause of this condition. The skin sensitivity test is positive in 50 to 60% of all cases of filariasis. (Ahmed, 1960). Microfilaria can persist in blood for up to 63 hours at 27-28°C. (Tu and Hpay, 1962) and in stored blood at 4-6°C. for as long as 24 days (Bird and Menon, 1961). There is therefore a reasonable chance of incidental discovery, particularly if the infestation is heavy. In all cases the type should be indentified by taking fresh specimens of peripheral blood during the day and night. Treatment in the case of the pathogenic varieties may prevent the development of symptoms. The treatment of the non-pathogenic varieties is a more difficult question. In the vector areas treatment is worthwhile to prevent the spread to others, but in this country it seems a little difficult to justify treatment unless there is a potentially pathogenic infection or the patient is returning to the vector area.