Final answer:
The number of circulating neutrophils quickly increases in response to an acute infection, indicating the body's innate immune response to combat the invading pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The numbers of circulating neutrophils typically increase in response to an acute infection. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that act as first responders during an infection or injury. They are highly efficient phagocytes with a preference for bacteria, using lysozyme, oxidants like hydrogen peroxide, and defensins to destroy the invading pathogens.
The production of cytokines by neutrophils further aids in pathogen destruction and removal. Increased counts of neutrophils in the blood indicate the body's response to infection, inflammation, or unusual stress, such as a burn injury, which necessitates the proliferation of neutrophils to fight off potential infection.