What is the most prevalent cell type in a scraping from allergic conjunctivitis?

In cases of allergic conjunctivitis, eosinophils are the most prevalent cell type identified in conjunctival scrapings. Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a key role in the body's allergic response, particularly in reactions mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE). During an allergic reaction, such as that seen in allergic conjunctivitis, there is an increase in the production and recruitment of eosinophils to tissues, as they contribute to inflammation and tissue damage associated with allergies.

In the conjunctiva, these cells can be observed during a cytological examination, and their presence indicates ongoing allergic processes. Eosinophils work alongside other cell types that also participate in allergic reactions, such as basophils and mast cells, but they are specifically highlighted in the context of conjunctivitis.

While mast cells are critical in the initiation of allergic responses by releasing histamines and other mediators, they are not the primary type found in scrapings taken directly from conjunctival tissue in cases of allergic conjunctivitis when compared to eosinophils. Other cell types, such as lymphocytes, are involved in the immune response as well but are not predominant in the acute phase of allergic conjunctivitis, making eosinophils the most