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Eosinophilia in the returning traveler
1Helminth Immunology Section, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Infectious Disease Clinics of North America
|July 11, 1998
Summary
Eosinophilia, a common finding in travelers, is often caused by parasitic helminth infections. This review outlines parasitic causes and a systematic approach for evaluating eosinophilia in returning travelers.
Area of Science:
- Tropical medicine
- Infectious diseases
- Clinical pathology
Background:
- Eosinophilia is a frequent laboratory abnormality in travelers returning from endemic areas.
- While helminth parasites are the primary infectious cause globally, other conditions can also elevate eosinophil counts.
- Evaluating eosinophilia in travelers requires considering both travel-related and non-travel-related etiologies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the main parasitic causes of eosinophilia in returning travelers.
- To provide a systematic diagnostic approach for evaluating eosinophilia in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of parasitic causes of eosinophilia.
- Development of a systematic diagnostic algorithm for returning travelers with eosinophilia.
Main Results:
- Helminth infections are the predominant infectious cause of eosinophilia in travelers.
- A structured approach is crucial to differentiate parasitic from non-parasitic causes.
- Differential diagnosis should include non-travel-related conditions.
Conclusions:
- Travelers presenting with eosinophilia warrant thorough investigation for parasitic infections.
- A systematic evaluation is essential to identify the underlying cause of eosinophilia.
- Prompt diagnosis and management of parasitic infections are critical for returning travelers.