Activity and turnover of eosinophil and neutrophil granulocytes are altered in visceral leishmaniasis

► The turnover and activity of eosinophils and neutrophils in blood were measured. ► Turnover and activity were increased in a non-infected Sudanese rural population. ► In visceral leishmaniasis the turnover was increased but the activity decreased. ► Turnover and activity were associated with eotaxin and IL-8. ► The combined assay of eosinophil cationic protein and myeloperoxidase in plasma and serum is a novel approach.