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Eosinophilia and helminthic infections
1Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, 330 Brookline Avenue, Dana Building, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Bailliere'S Best Practice & Research. Clinical Haematology
|August 16, 2000
Summary
Helminths are the most frequent microbial cause of eosinophilia. This review details diagnostic clues from patient history, physical exams, and lab tests for identifying helminthic infections.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Parasitology
Background:
- Eosinophilia, an elevated eosinophil count, is often linked to parasitic infections.
- Helminths, or parasitic worms, are a significant group of microbial agents causing eosinophilia worldwide.
- Accurate diagnosis of helminthic infections is crucial for effective patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a systematic approach for evaluating patients presenting with eosinophilia.
- To highlight key historical, physical examination, and laboratory findings suggestive of helminthic etiology.
- To discuss various helminthic infections associated with eosinophilia, including their epidemiology, clinical features, diagnostics, and treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on helminthic infections and eosinophilia.
- Emphasis on diagnostic strategies utilizing patient history, physical examination, and routine laboratory data.
- Discussion of specific helminthic parasites, their transmission, symptoms, diagnostic methods, and therapeutic options.
Main Results:
- Helminths are identified as the predominant microbial cause of eosinophilia.
- Specific clinical and laboratory clues can effectively guide the diagnostic process.
- A comprehensive understanding of different helminthic infections aids in accurate diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusions:
- A structured diagnostic approach incorporating clinical data is essential for identifying helminth-induced eosinophilia.
- Early and accurate diagnosis of helminthic infections leads to improved patient outcomes.
- Further research into novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for helminthic diseases is warranted.