Tropical Pulmonary Eosinophilia

Hyper-allergic response to microfilaria associated with human filariasis (Wuchereria bancrofti and Brugia malayi)

Clinical: Short history of cough, wheezing

Investigations

• Chest x-ray
  • hilar adenopathy
  • diffused alveolar mottling with nodules in middle/lower zones
  • sometimes pleural effusion
• CBC
  • eosinophilia
  • microfilaria NOT found

Differential Diagnosis

– Migrating helminthes (Ascaris, Strongyloides stercoralis, hookworm)

Treatment

• DEC: usu. dramatic response in 3 weeks

Prevention

– Control of Aedes mosquito breeding sites