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Eosinophilia in the returning traveler
1Department of Medicine, George Washington University School of Medicine, Washington, DC.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1992
Summary
Eosinophilia in returning travelers strongly suggests helminth parasites, though other causes like allergies exist. Prompt diagnosis is key for effective treatment of tropical diseases.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Clinical diagnostics
Background:
- Eosinophilia is an elevated eosinophil count, often linked to parasitic infections.
- Travelers returning from developing regions are at risk for neglected tropical diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the differential diagnosis of eosinophilia in travelers.
- To emphasize helminth parasites as the primary consideration.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic considerations for eosinophilia.
- Differential diagnosis approach based on patient history and potential exposures.
Main Results:
- Helminth parasites are the most common cause of eosinophilia in this demographic.
- Protozoal infections and non-parasitic causes like allergies and drug reactions are less frequent.
Conclusions:
- Eosinophilia in travelers returning from the developing world necessitates a high index of suspicion for helminthic infections.
- A systematic diagnostic approach is crucial to differentiate parasitic from non-parasitic etiologies.