The serum Wuchereria antigen level was measured with the Og4C3 monoclonal antibody (TropBio, Australia) correlated with the intensity of infection (< 32 antigen units negative, 32-520 low, 521-5,120 medium, > 5,120 high).
Patients at risk for hydroceles:
(1) with filariasis (vs without)
(2) age > 45 years
(3) infection level heavy (vs light or moderate)
Detection of hydrocele by ultrasound is more sensitive than by physical examination.
(1) Ultrasound examination determines the amount of fluid accumulation between the parietal and visceral layers of the tunica vaginalis in the scrotum.
(2) Based on an evaluation of normal men in the endemic area, a hydrocele was defined by ultrasound as having a fluid accumulation > 0.4 cm (4 mm).
(3) Physical examination was positive for fluid accumulations > 0.55 cm.
Ultrasound was able to detect dilation of the spermatic cord lymphatics in patients with filariasis, but this finding did not correlate with hydrocele.
