Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2008 Nov;105(46):801-7. doi: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0801. Epub 2008 Nov 14.

Eosinophilia in returning travelers and migrants.

Deutsches Arzteblatt international

Stephan Ehrhardt, Gerd D Burchard

PMID: 19578443 PMCID: PMC2699886 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.2008.0801

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilia in travelers returning from tropical countries is often caused by helminths. The high eosinophil counts arise particularly from tissue migration of invasive larvae.

METHODS: Review of literature selected by means of a Medline search using the MeSH terms "eosinophilia" and "helminth."

RESULTS: The patient's geographic and alimentary history may suggest infection with particular parasitic worms. A targeted diagnostic approach is suggested. The physician should concentrate on the principal signs and be guided by the geographic and alimentary history. Elaborate diagnostic measures are seldom indicated.

DISCUSSION: Although eosinophilia alone has low positive predictive value for a worm infection, it points clearly to helminthosis if the patient has recently returned from the tropics and the eosinophilia is new.

Keywords: differential diagnosis; eosinophilia; foreign travel; helminth infection; migration

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