Parasite-induced hypereosinophilia
Bourée, P.
Presse Medicale 35(1 Pt 2): 153-166
2006
ISSN/ISBN: 0755-4982 PMID: 16462680 Document Number: 597595
Hypereosinophilia, defined as a blood eosinophil count of more than 500 per micro l (0.5 x 109 per litre) is a laboratory finding that requires a careful workup. Review of the patient's medical history and clinical examination can usually rule out non-parasitic causes. Parasites that can cause eosinophilia include most helminths (intestinal and tissue-dwelling nematodes, trematodes and cestodes), and some arthropod ectoparasites. Parasites that have more contact with the tissues tend to cause more severe eosinophilia. Such infections must be sought by examination of stool, urine and blood, and by serological tests; these examinations must be repeated, with appropriate techniques for different types of parasite. Once a parasitosis has been diagnosed, it can then be treated appropriately. Improvement of eosinophilia and serum antibody titres is one criterion of the effectiveness of treatment.