The absolute number of leukocytes reflects the protective function of the body and the state of immunity. Their norm in a healthy person is 4-9 * 10 9 / l. An increase in these formed elements - leukocytosis - can be physiological and pathological. Leukopenia - a decrease in the amount - is more often a sign of pathology.
Physiological leukocytosis is observed:
After eating or strenuous exercise;
Before menstruation;
In the third trimester of pregnancy;
In persons with harmful occupational factors.
The pathological growth of leukocytes is caused by:
Most infections (more often of a bacterial or fungal nature, less often of a viral nature); inflammation;
Inflammatory process;
Allergic reactions;
Malignant tumors of the red bone marrow and lymphoid tissue (leukemia, lymphomas);
Introduction of parasites;
Injuries (physical, thermal, electrical);
Myocardial infarction.
Leukopenia is a consequence of:
Depletion of the body against the background of starvation, serious illness;
Severe purulent-septic conditions;
Viral pathology;
Autoimmune processes;
Immunodeficiency;
Bone marrow lesions against the background of the toxic effects of certain drugs, toxic substances or diseases;
Radiation sickness;
Chemotherapy, radiation and shock antibiotic therapy;
Deficiency of vitamins, minerals, protein;
Lack of thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids;
Some forms of anemia (for example, aplastic) and leukemia (leukopenic and aleukemic).
For the purpose of differential diagnosis, the leukocyte formula is also determined - the relative number of different representatives of Leuk:
Basophilov;
Eosinophils;
Rod neutrophils;
Segmented neutrophils;
Lymphocytes;
Monocytes.
Determination of WBC and their formulas is an integral part of a general blood test, studied both for prophylactic purposes and for the diagnosis of many diseases.
