Acute manifestations of male genital filariasis in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Complications from undiagnosed genital filariasis accounted for nine of 32 (25·6%) acute surgical explorations of the scrotum and for eight out of 12 (66·6%) orchidectomies performed for non-traumatic conditions at a hospital in Enugu, Nigeria, during 1972–1979. In a further six explorations in which epididymo-orchitis was described as ‘non-specific’, a filarial aetiology was considered probable in view of the observed histopathological pattern. The possible role of destructive genital filariasis in male subfertility is discussed and the need for early recognition and treatment emphasized.