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Three-Dimensional Cell Culture Models to Investigate the Epithelial Barrier in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
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Differential diagnosis of eosinophilic meningitis

N Jaroonvesama1

  • 1Faculty of Medicine Siraraj Hospital, Mahidol Univeristy, Bangkok 7, Thailand.

Parasitology Today (Personal Ed.)
|September 1, 1988
PubMed

Insights

Eosinophilic meningitis (EOM) is an infection of the meninges often caused by helminths. This review highlights key distinctions between common helminthic causes of EOM, such as angiostrongyliasis and gnathostomiasis.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Parasitology

Background:

  • Meningitis, an infection of the meninges, can result from various agents like bacteria, protozoa, and helminths.
  • Eosinophilia is a common indicator in helminthic infections, frequently leading to eosinophilic meningitis (EOM).
  • Protozoal infections rarely present with eosinophilia.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To differentiate between various helminthic infections causing eosinophilic meningitis (EOM).
  • To discuss the key distinctions among important causes of EOM including angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, porogonimiasis, and cysticercosis.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on parasitic meningitis.
  • Comparative analysis of clinical and diagnostic features of helminthic infections affecting the nervous system.

Main Results:

  • Eosinophilic meningitis (EOM) is predominantly linked to helminthic infections involving the central nervous system.
  • Key helminthic causes of EOM include angiostrongyliasis, gnathostomiasis, porogonimiasis, and cysticercosis.
  • Distinguishing features among these parasitic infections are crucial for accurate diagnosis.

Conclusions:

  • Accurate differentiation of parasitic etiologies is essential for effective management of eosinophilic meningitis.
  • Understanding the specific characteristics of infections like angiostrongyliasis and gnathostomiasis aids in clinical diagnosis.
  • Further research into diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for parasitic meningitis is warranted.

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