Eosinophil leucocytic reactions from diethylcarbamazine in filariasis

Abstract

Diethylcarbamazine (DEC) was administered to a series of patients with proven or strongly suspected filariasis and to healthy controls who had never visited endemic areas. In a series of ten patients, an eosinopenic reaction occurred in nine within three hours of DEC provocation. The possible mechanism of the eosinopenic response is discussed.