Certain of the microfilariae have a nocturnal periodicity, and the blood specimen is best taken at night between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., Continuous 3 days

The filariae are parasitic nematodes (roundworms) that cause significant human morbidity in tropical regions worldwide. The macroscopic adults live in the human host and release microscopic offspring (microfilariae) into the blood or skin. The microfilariae of Wuchereria bancrofti, Brugia malayi, B timori, Loa loa, Mansonella perstans, and M ozzardi are found in the blood, while the microfilariae of Onchocerca volvulus and M streptocerca are found in the skin. If microfilariae are taken up by a biting insect vector (mosquitos, blackflies, midges, and deer flies), they undergo further development in the insect and can then be transmitted to other humans.

The microfilariae of these filarial worms can be seen on conventional thick and thin blood films, which allows for their definitive identification. However, microfilariae may be in low numbers and, therefore, use of concentration methods such as the Knott's technique improves the detection sensitivity. Some microfilariae are released into the blood at certain times of the day; W bancrofti and Brugia species are usually released between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. (nocturnal periodicity), while L loa is released mostly from 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (diurnal periodicity). It is therefore important to collect blood during these time periods for optimal detection sensitivity. Mansonella species microfilariae do not exhibit any periodicity and, therefore, a random blood draw is acceptable. Since the levels of parasitemia may fluctuate, multiple smears may be needed to detect the filarial worms. Blood should be obtained and examined every 8 to 12 hours for 2 to 3 days before excluding infection.