Overview and Clinical Significance

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell (WBC) involved in immune defense, allergic reactions, and inflammation regulation. They contain granules filled with enzymes that help combat parasites, infections, and inflammatory conditions.

Clinical Significance

• Parasitic Infections: Eosinophils play a key role in fighting helminths and protozoa, releasing toxic granules to eliminate pathogens.
• Allergic & Asthma Responses: Elevated eosinophil levels are commonly seen in asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eosinophilic esophagitis, contributing to inflammation.
• Autoimmune & Inflammatory Disorders: Increased eosinophils are linked to eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and vasculitis.
• Cancer & Hematologic Conditions: Eosinophilia may indicate certain leukemias, lymphomas, or hypereosinophilic syndromes.
• Diagnostic Use: Eosinophil counts are assessed in complete blood count (CBC) tests, helping diagnose immune, allergic, and hematologic disorders.

Eosinophils are key immune regulators, influencing inflammatory responses, allergic conditions, and parasitic defense.

‍