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Published on: June 5, 2012
Mansonella perstans causing symptomatic hypereosinophilia in a missionary family
Christoph A Fux1, Bernard Chappuis, Benedikt Holzer
1Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Friedbühlstrasse 51, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease
|August 15, 2006
Abstract:
Mansonella perstans is rarely pathogenic. The rare reports of symptomatic cases, however, include severe complications. Three cases of symptomatic hypereosinophilia with multi-organ involvement are described in a missionary family returning from tropical Africa. Pathogenicity may be related to the induction of hypereosinophilia rather than direct host-parasite interactions.
Insights
Mansonella perstans infections are usually asymptomatic but can cause severe hypereosinophilia and multi-organ issues. This study details three such cases in a family returning from tropical Africa.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Parasitology
- Clinical infectious diseases
Background:
- Mansonella perstans is a filarial nematode found in tropical regions.
- While typically asymptomatic, rare cases present with severe clinical manifestations.
- Understanding its pathogenicity is crucial for diagnosing and managing imported infections.
Observation:
- Three symptomatic cases of Mansonella perstans infection were identified in a missionary family.
- All affected individuals presented with marked hypereosinophilia.
- Multi-organ involvement was noted, indicating systemic disease.
Findings:
- The pathogenicity of Mansonella perstans may stem from the host's immune response, specifically hypereosinophilia.
- Direct host-parasite interactions might play a lesser role in disease manifestation.
- This suggests an immunopathological mechanism underlying severe Mansonella perstans infections.
Implications:
- Highlights the potential for severe, multi-organ disease from Mansonella perstans, even if rare.
- Emphasizes the importance of considering parasitic infections in returning travelers with unexplained hypereosinophilia.
- Suggests therapeutic strategies targeting the host's inflammatory response may be beneficial.
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