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Eosinophilia in Southeast Asian refugees: evaluation at a referral center
Abstract:
We determined the cause of persistent eosinophilia in 128 Indochinese refugees for whom initial comprehensive routine screening had failed to yield an explanation. Intestinal parasitism with one or multiple organisms was the cause of eosinophilia in all but six of these patients. Hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis were among the potentially pathogenic organisms most frequently implicated (55% and 38%, respectively). There was no correlation between the age or sex of the patients and the type of infecting organism. We also confirmed the usefulness of a previously described serological test for diagnosing infection with Strongyloides stercoralis and examined the test's ability to distinguish between infected and noninfected individuals and to determine parasitological cure.
Insights
Persistent eosinophilia in Indochinese refugees was primarily caused by intestinal parasites like hookworm and Strongyloides stercoralis. A serological test proved useful for diagnosing and confirming cure of Strongyloides stercoralis infections.
Area of Science:
- Medical Parasitology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Persistent eosinophilia often requires extensive investigation to identify underlying causes.
- Routine screening may not detect all potential etiologies, particularly in specific patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the cause of persistent eosinophilia in Indochinese refugees.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a serological test for diagnosing Strongyloides stercoralis infection and confirming parasitological cure.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive clinical and laboratory screening of 128 Indochinese refugees.
- Diagnostic parasitological examination of stool samples.
- Serological testing for Strongyloides stercoralis.
Main Results:
- Intestinal parasitism was identified as the cause of eosinophilia in 122 out of 128 patients.
- Hookworm (55%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (38%) were the most common causative organisms.
- The serological test demonstrated utility in diagnosing Strongyloides stercoralis infection and assessing treatment effectiveness.
Conclusions:
- Intestinal parasites are a significant cause of persistent eosinophilia in Indochinese refugees.
- Serological testing is a valuable tool for managing Strongyloides stercoralis infections in this population.