Since 1964, the Kobe University School of Medicine has continued yearly a medical survey in summer in Indonesia with an attempt to promote the mutual friendship between Japan and Indonesia through medicine.
Between July and September 1966, we have conducted a medical survey and serivec on 812 patients in the mountain district of Madjalengka area, western Java including Madjalengka, Argalingga, Kantjana Tjipulus, Nunuk and Tjibodas in Indonesia. Eosinophilia (more than 500/mm
3 in the peripheral blood) was detected in 142 cases (52.2%) among 272 inspected cases.
No significant difference was found in the occurrence of eosinophilia between males and females, and between ages. In 26.1 % of the eosinophilia patients, malaria and/or frambesia were found in their past-history. Gastro-intestinal complaints were found in 57.7% of the eosinophilia patients, cardiovascular complaints in 16.2%, respiratory complaints in 20.4%, and skin complaints in 19%. In 12 patients, whose eosinophils in the peripheral blood were more than 2, 000/mm
3, cardio-vascular and respiratory complaints were detected in 6 and 5 patients, respectively.
Although we have detected endemic goiter in this area as shown in the previous report, no significant relationship between eosinophilia and endemic goiter was found.
As for the cause of such eosinophilia, the life environment of people in the district appears to be most important, though a definite conclusion has not been reached until present.
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