Filarial Nematode Infestation Presenting as Subcutaneous Swellings in a Teaching Hospital in Kerala

ABSTRACT: Filarial nematode infection presenting as subcutaneous swellings is uncommon and often mimics other benign subcutaneous swellings. While individual cases are documented, few case series explore this specific presentation. This study aims to examine patients with histopathologically or radiologically confirmed filarial nematode infection manifesting as subcutaneous swellings of various parts of the body. A retrospective analysis was conducted at a teaching hospital in Kerala from January 2015 to December 2020, reviewing all excised subcutaneous swellings confirmed as nematode infection. Since filarial nematode infestation presenting as a subcutaneous swelling is an uncommon presentation, a high index of suspicion is required for the diagnosis and should be one of the differential diagnosis of benign subcutaneous swelling, especially in endemic areas.