From the Guidelines
Elevated monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils are most likely caused by allergies, as they are the most common cause of secondary or reactive eosinophilia, occurring in about 80% of cases, as stated in the study by 1. When considering the potential causes of elevated monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, it is essential to differentiate between allergies and parasitic infections. Allergies typically cause more significant increases in eosinophils and basophils, while parasitic infections commonly elevate eosinophils more dramatically. Some key points to consider in the diagnosis and management of elevated monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils include:
- The pattern of elevation of these white blood cells can help differentiate between allergies and parasitic infections
- Allergies are the most common cause of secondary or reactive eosinophilia, occurring in about 80% of cases, as stated in the study by 1
- Parasitic infections, such as strongyloidiasis, are also a common cause of eosinophilia, particularly in individuals who have traveled to tropical regions, as noted in the study by 1
- The treatment approach differs significantly between allergies and parasitic infections, with allergies managed with antihistamines, corticosteroids, or immunotherapy, and parasitic infections requiring specific antiparasitic medications like albendazole, mebendazole, or ivermectin, depending on the parasite identified, as stated in the study by 1
- Diagnostic tests, such as skin prick tests, blood tests for specific IgE antibodies, stool examinations, blood tests for parasite-specific antibodies, or PCR testing, can help determine the underlying cause of elevated monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, as noted in the study by 1. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause of elevated monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils, as the treatment approach and outcome can vary significantly depending on the cause, as stated in the study by 1.
From the Research
Elevated Monocytes, Eosinophils, Basophils
Elevated levels of monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils can be caused by various factors, including allergies and parasitic infections.
- Eosinophils are multifunctional cells that play a significant role in parasitic infections and allergic manifestations 2.
- Basophils also contribute to immunity against parasites, with recent evidence suggesting a crucial role in the initiation of T-helper type 2 responses in the host 3, 4, 5.
- Eosinophilia is a common feature of helminth infections, and the likelihood of helminth infections increases with the extent of eosinophilia 2.
- Basophils have been recognized as important players in protective immunity against various parasites, producing effector molecules that promote type 2 immune responses 4, 5.
- Eosinophils are involved in combating parasitic, bacterial, and viral infections, as well as certain cancers, and have pathologic roles in diseases such as asthma and hypereosinophilic syndromes 6.
Role of Eosinophils and Basophils in Parasitic Infections
- Eosinophils can kill helminth parasites in vitro, especially the larval stages, and have a different impact on different helminth infections 2.
- Basophils can be activated directly by parasite-derived factors or indirectly by recognition of parasite-derived antigens via IgE bound to its high-affinity receptor FcεRI on the cell surface 4, 5.
- The development of basophil-deficient mouse models has made it possible to study the contributions of basophils in various infections, including parasitic infections 4.
Clinical Significance
- Eosinophilia has only a limited predictive value for the presence of helminth infections, but the likelihood of helminth infections increases considerably with the extent of eosinophilia 2.
- Basophilia may play an important role in amplifying ongoing type 2 immune responses to helminth infections once Ag-specific IgE is present 5.
- Novel biologic therapies targeting eosinophil maturation factors have recently been approved for clinical use, highlighting the importance of understanding the role of eosinophils in health and disease 6.