Summary
Introduction. The complete blood count (CBC) is an essential diagnostic tool for every physician. Eosinophils are immune cells responsible for defense against helminthic infections and hypersensitivity reactions in allergic, autoimmune and inflammatory diseases as well as eosinophilic organ damage and neoplastic processes. Eosinophils constitute a small fraction of peripheral blood leukocytes; therefore, an increase in their count is a cause for concern. Effective interpretation of eosinophilia, combined with additional CBC data, can help suspect diseases, assess their progression, and differentiate with other conditions. Knowledge of the etiology of eosinophilia and eosinopenia and adherence to Summary diagnostic algorithms can facilitate a smoother diagnostic and treatment process.
Aim of the study. To conduct a literature analysis, present the main causes of eosinophil count changes and develop diagnostic algorithms to differentiate various diseases causing eosinophilia or eosinopenia.
Material and Methods. A literature review was conducted using a free search method across several databases, including PubMed, ScienceDirect, ResearchGate and Cureus, using the keywords: eosinophilia, eosinopenia, etiology, diagnosis, pathology. A total of 60 studies were selected to meet research objectives without time restrictions or pre-established inclusion protocols.
Conclusions. Based on the literature review, a diagnostic algorithm was developed helping the physician correctly identify conditions presenting with eosinophil count changes. The importance of patient’s medical history and clinical examination data before further testing and specialist-referral was emphasized. Diagnostic algorithms encourage efficient and cost-effective methods for disease diagnosis, progression evaluation, and treatment planning, thereby reducing unnecessary testing and expediting disease diagnosis.
