Filariasis in Bone Marrow: Presenting as Pancytopenia

Filariasis is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti or Brugia malayi, both of which are transmitted through Culex mosquito. It is one of the major public health hazards in endemic areas of the India. The patients present with pyrexia, lymphadenopathy and elephantiasis. It is demonstrated in the peripheral blood, body fluids, fine needle aspirates and in the bronchial brushings. The occurrence of microfilaria in the bone marrow is a rare presentation. We hereby report one such case of a geriatric patient who presented as a case of pyrexia of unknown origin and pancytopenia.