A 26-year-old Indian man discovered that the swelling in his right testicle was caused by microscopic worms that had managed to infiltrate his scrotum. Images of the “dancing” parasites sparked curiosity on social media.
“Ultrasound examination revealed mobile structures within an enlarged lymphatic duct. [tubos finos que transportam fluido e glóbulos brancos no escroto]”, told 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 experienced “swelling and pain in the scrotum and low grade fever” for a month. According to the authors, the patient felt tenderness and swelling on the right side of the scrotum.
Ultrasounds revealed that worms were “dancing” in the Indian’s 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 a patient’s system with a type of microscopic roundworm. Nematodes cause fluid to clog the lymphatic system and swell.
The “dancing” of the worms is known as the “fiery dance sign,” which results from “the fluctuations of living worms that migrate into the lymphatic channels, causing enlargement and dysfunction,” according to the study.
Fortunately, the patient recognized the disease early, which led to an effective treatment. Elephantiasis symptoms usually appear late and may leave permanent sequelae.
source: Noticias
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.