Eosinophilic infiltration

Definition

Eosinophilic infiltration refers to the accumulation of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell, in tissues during an immune response, particularly in response to parasitic infections. This process is crucial in the body's defense mechanism against parasites, as eosinophils play a key role in modulating inflammation and attacking these invaders. The presence of eosinophils is often indicative of an ongoing allergic reaction or parasitic infection and can result in tissue damage due to their cytotoxic effects.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Eosinophilic infiltration is often seen in tissues infected by helminths (parasitic worms) as eosinophils respond to the presence of these large pathogens.
2. In addition to parasites, eosinophils can also be involved in allergic reactions and asthma, highlighting their role beyond just combating parasitic infections.
3. High levels of eosinophilic infiltration can lead to tissue damage and contribute to conditions like eosinophilic esophagitis or other hypersensitivity disorders.
4. The activation of eosinophils involves the release of various cytokines and mediators that enhance their recruitment to the site of infection or inflammation.
5. Eosinophilic infiltration can be used as a diagnostic marker in histopathological examinations to identify specific types of infections or inflammatory conditions.

Review Questions

• How do eosinophils contribute to the body's defense against parasitic infections through eosinophilic infiltration?
  • Eosinophils contribute to the defense against parasitic infections by infiltrating affected tissues and releasing cytotoxic granules that damage or kill parasites. They also produce cytokines that modulate the immune response, enhancing inflammation and attracting other immune cells to the site of infection. This localized immune response helps limit parasite proliferation and aids in tissue repair after the infection is cleared.
• Discuss the potential negative consequences of eosinophilic infiltration in relation to tissue health during a parasitic infection.
  • While eosinophilic infiltration is essential for combating parasitic infections, it can also lead to tissue damage if uncontrolled. The release of cytotoxic substances from activated eosinophils can harm surrounding healthy cells, resulting in inflammation and contributing to chronic conditions. For instance, excessive eosinophilic activity can cause issues like fibrosis or organ dysfunction due to ongoing inflammation and scarring in affected tissues.
• Evaluate the role of eosinophilic infiltration as a diagnostic tool in identifying parasitic infections versus other immune-mediated disorders.
  • Eosinophilic infiltration serves as a valuable diagnostic indicator for parasitic infections because elevated eosinophil levels are often associated with these types of diseases. In histopathological samples, significant eosinophil presence can help differentiate between parasitic infections and other conditions like allergic reactions or autoimmune disorders. However, while high eosinophil counts may suggest certain conditions, further tests are often necessary to pinpoint the exact cause, as elevated levels can arise from diverse factors beyond just parasitic infection.

Related terms

Eosinophils: A type of white blood cell that plays a significant role in the immune response, particularly in fighting parasitic infections and mediating allergic reactions.

Immunopathology:

The study of diseases caused by the immune system's abnormal responses, including those triggered by infections, allergies, or autoimmune disorders.

Cytotoxicity:

The capacity of certain cells, such as eosinophils, to kill other cells, particularly those infected with parasites or those that are tumorigenic.