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Eosinophilia in travelers
1Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.
The Medical Clinics of North America
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Eosinophilia in travelers is often caused by helminthic parasite infections, not protozoan ones. Diagnosis can be challenging, especially in early or chronic stages of infection.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Travel Medicine
Background:
- Eosinophilia is a condition characterized by elevated eosinophil counts.
- Travelers may acquire infections that lead to eosinophilia.
- Identifying the cause of eosinophilia in travelers is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the parasitic and other causes of eosinophilia in travelers.
- To highlight the association between helminthic infections and eosinophilia.
- To discuss diagnostic challenges in helminthic infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parasitic and non-parasitic causes of eosinophilia.
- Analysis of the relationship between helminthic infections and eosinophil levels.
- Discussion of clinical presentation and diagnostic considerations.
Main Results:
- Helminthic parasite infections are the most likely cause of eosinophilia in travelers.
- Protozoan infections are less likely to cause eosinophilia.
- Early-stage helminthic infections may present with pronounced eosinophilia but be difficult to diagnose.
- Chronic helminthic infections can lead to persistent eosinophilia.
Conclusions:
- Helminthic infections are a primary consideration for eosinophilia in the returned traveler.
- Diagnostic efforts should focus on identifying helminths, even in the absence of clear symptoms.
- Persistent eosinophilia warrants investigation for chronic helminthic infections.