A 26yearold Indian man discovered that the swelling in his right testicle was caused by microscopic worms that managed to infiltrate his scrotum. Images of the “dancing” parasites generated curiosity on social media.
“On ultrasound examination, mobile structures were seen within an enlarged lymphatic duct [tubos finos que transportam fluido e glóbulos brancos no escroto]’ described the doctors in the case study, published in the latest issue of the New England Journal of Medicine.
The study was reported to Max Super Specialty Hospital in New Delhi after the patient had “pain and swelling in the scrotum and lowgrade fever” for a month. According to the authors, the patient experienced tenderness and swelling on the right side of the scrotum.
Ultrasound showed the Indian had the worms “dancing” in his lower region and he was diagnosed with lymphatic filariasis, also known as elephantiasis.
According to the World Health Organization, this is a “neglected tropical disease” and manifests itself when a mosquito bite infects the patient’s system with a type of microscopic roundworm. Nematodes cause fluid to block the lymphatic system and cause swelling.
The worms’ “dance” is known as the “filariate dance sign,” which the study says is caused by “the waves of live worms that have invaded the lymphatic channels, leading to dilation and dysfunction.”
Fortunately, the patient discovered the disease early, which ensured efficient treatment. Symptoms of elephantiasis usually manifest late and can have lasting consequences.