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.
Translated title of the contribution | Eosinophilia in returning travellers and migrants |
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Original language | German |
Pages (from-to) | 801-807 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Deutsches Arzteblatt |
Volume | 105 |
Issue number | 46 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 14 2008 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Differential diagnosis
- Eosinophilia
- Foreign travel
- Helminth infection
- Migration
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Medicine