A Parasitic Infection with Eosinophilia in a University Medical Center

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The causes of eosinophilia are allergies, parasite infections, medications, skin diseases, and others. But, the etiologies of eosinophilia and variables associated with eosinophilia are not well known in Korea. METHODS: This study included patients in a health check up at a general hospital from May 21, 1995 until February 14, 2004. Through self-report, serology, and stool exam, variables associated with eosinophilia were tested. RESULTS: In the eosinophilic group, 5% were helminth infected, and more of C. sinensis infection were found the eosinophilic group with 3.9% compared to the non-eosinophilic group with 1.2% (P<0.05) Associated variables with eosinophilia were old age, high BMI, drinking, smoking, the season of testing helminth infections, and Clonorchiasis infection. But allergy was not associated with eosinophilia. The odds ratios for eosinophilia after adjustment were 2.280 (1.694~3.068) in helminth infections and 2.391 (1.716~3.331) in Clonorchiasis infection. CONCLUSION: In the eosinophilic group, 5% were helminth infected, and more C. sinensis infection were found. Associated variables with eosinophilia were old age, high BMI, drinking, smoking, the season of testing, helminth infections, and Clonorchisis infection. But allergy was not associated with eosinophilia.