Eosinophils – Function, Levels and Diseases
Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a key role in the immune system. They are especially active in allergic diseases and parasitic infections.
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Eosinophils are white blood cells that play a key role in the immune system. They are especially active in allergic diseases and parasitic infections.
What Are Eosinophils?
Eosinophils (also called eosinophilic granulocytes) are a subtype of white blood cells (leukocytes). They belong to the granulocyte family and make up approximately 1–4% of all leukocytes in the blood of a healthy adult. Their name comes from their ability to absorb the red dye eosin during microscopic examination, making them clearly visible under the microscope.
Function and Mechanism of Action
Eosinophils are a central component of the innate immune system and serve several important functions:
- Defense against parasites: Eosinophils are particularly effective in combating worm infections and other parasitic diseases.
- Allergic reactions: In allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or atopic dermatitis, eosinophils play a significant role in driving inflammatory responses.
- Release of inflammatory mediators: They release cytotoxic proteins, cytokines, and enzymes that destroy pathogens but can also damage the body's own tissues.
- Immune regulation: Eosinophils communicate with other immune cells and help modulate immune responses.
Elevated Eosinophil Counts (Eosinophilia)
An elevated number of eosinophils in the blood is referred to as eosinophilia. Depending on the severity, it is classified as:
- Mild eosinophilia: 500–1,500 cells per microliter of blood
- Moderate eosinophilia: 1,500–5,000 cells per microliter of blood
- Severe eosinophilia (hypereosinophilia): more than 5,000 cells per microliter of blood
Common causes of eosinophilia include:
- Allergic diseases (e.g., asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergies)
- Parasitic infections (e.g., roundworms, hookworms)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Certain medications (e.g., antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Malignant diseases (e.g., lymphomas, eosinophilic leukemia)
- Inflammatory bowel disease
Decreased Eosinophil Counts (Eosinopenia)
A reduced number of eosinophils is called eosinopenia. It commonly occurs in:
Diagnosis
Eosinophils are measured as part of a complete blood count (CBC), which determines the number and percentage of each type of leukocyte. An elevated or decreased value is not a disease in itself, but rather an indicator of an underlying condition that warrants further investigation. If hypereosinophilia or organ involvement is suspected, additional tests such as bone marrow biopsy, imaging studies, or organ biopsies may be required.
Treatment
Treatment always depends on the underlying cause:
- Allergies: Antihistamines, corticosteroids, allergen immunotherapy
- Parasitic infections: Antiparasitic medications (e.g., mebendazole, albendazole)
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome: Corticosteroids, imatinib (for specific genetic mutations), monoclonal antibodies such as mepolizumab
- Drug-induced eosinophilia: Discontinuation of the causative medication
References
- Klion, A. D. (2015). Eosinophilia: a pragmatic approach to diagnosis and treatment. In: Hematology - American Society of Hematology Education Program, 2015(1), 92–97.
- Rothenberg, M. E. (1998). Eosinophilia. In: New England Journal of Medicine, 338(22), 1592–1600.
- Simon, H. U., et al. (2010). Refining the definition of hypereosinophilic syndrome. In: Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 126(1), 45–49.
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Related search terms: eosinophils + eosinophil + eosinophilic granulocytes + eosinophilia