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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staffEosinophilia (ee-oh-sin-oh-FIL-ee-uh) is a higher than normal level of eosinophils, one of the five major types of disease-fighting white blood cells.
High levels of eosinophils can circulate in your blood (blood eosinophilia), but high eosinophil concentrations may also occur at the site of an infection or inflammation (tissue eosinophilia).
Tissue eosinophilia may be found in tissue samples taken during an exploratory procedure or in samples of certain fluids, such as mucus released from nasal tissues. If you have tissue eosinophilia, the level of eosinophils in your bloodstream is likely normal.
Blood eosinophilia may be detected with a blood test, usually as part of a complete blood count. A count of more than 500 eosinophils per microliter of blood is generally considered eosinophilia in adults.
- Ackerman S, et al. Eosinophilia, eosinophil-associated diseases, chronic eosinophil leukemia, and the hypereosinophilic syndromes. In: Hoffman R, et al., eds. Hematology: Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier, Inc.; 2005. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/110010415-6/0/1267/0.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2008.
- Fischbach F, et al. A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2008.
- Reference values. Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2008.
- Eosinophilic disorders. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: Home Edition for Patients and Caregivers. http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec14/ch174/ch174g.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2008.
- Wallach J. Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2007.
- Eosinophilia. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/sec11/ch139/ch139b.html. Accessed Nov. 11, 2008.
- Lymphatic filariasis fact sheet. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/lymphaticfilariasis/factsht_lymphatic_filar.htm. Accessed Nov. 11, 2008.
