Eosinophil count is an important measure in the evaluation of immune status and in the detection of various diseases. It is influenced by allergic, infectious, autoimmune and environmental factors. Genetic predisposition also plays a crucial role in the regulation of eosinophil count, highlighting the importance of genetics in the body's immune response.
Eosinophil count
The eosinophil count, a specific type of white blood cell, is a crucial measure in the evaluation of the immune system and in the detection of various health conditions. Eosinophils play a vital role in the body's defense against parasitic infections and in modulating allergic and inflammatory responses. An elevated eosinophil count, known as eosinophilia, may be indicative of conditions such as allergies, asthma, autoimmune diseases, parasitic infections and certain types of cancer. On the other hand, a low eosinophil count may occur in response to acute bacterial infections or as a side effect of certain medications.
The eosinophil count is influenced by a variety of factors, both internal and external. Allergic conditions, such as allergic rhinitis, asthma and eczema, often increase eosinophil counts due to activation of the immune system in response to allergens. Parasitic infections also cause an increase in eosinophil counts, as these cells are essential in the defense against multicellular parasites. In addition, certain autoimmune diseases and cancers can elevate eosinophil levels in the blood. External factors, such as exposure to toxins and certain medications, can also affect the eosinophil count, either increasing or decreasing it.
Number of observed variants
13.5 million variants
Number of risk loci
763 loci
Genes analyzed
Bibliography
Vuckovic D., Bao E.L., et al. The Polygenic and Monogenic Basis of Blood Traits and Diseases. Cell, 01 Sep 2020, 182(5):1214-1231.e11
Sunadome H, Matsumoto H, et al. Correlation between eosinophil count, its genetic background and body mass index: The Nagahama Study. Allergol Int. 2020 Jan;69(1):46-52.
Höglund J, Hadizadeh F, et al. Gene-Based Variant Analysis of Whole-Exome Sequencing in Relation to Eosinophil Count. Front Immunol. 2022; 13: 862255.
