Question

A new patient is admitted to the hospital, and the doctor orders a routine complete blood cell count (CBC) with a differential. The CBC results show an elevated white blood cell count (WBC), which indicates infection. Which type(s) of elevated WBC on the differential would indicate a bacterial infection?

1) Eosinophils

2) Neutrophils and monocytes

3) Basophils

4) All of the above

Answer 1

The types of white blood cells that indicate a bacterial infection in a CBC with a differential are primarily neutrophils and monocytes. These cells form part of the myeloid cell line which is instrumental in the innate immune response, and their elevated counts are commonly associated with bacterial infections. the correct option is 2) Neutrophils and monocytes.

Step-by-step explanation:

In a complete blood cell count (CBC) with a differential, the type(s) of elevated white blood cells (WBC) that would indicate a bacterial infection are primarily neutrophils and monocytes. Neutrophils are usually the first responders to bacterial infection, and an increase in the neutrophil count, known as neutrophilia, often suggests the presence of a bacterial infection.

White blood cells are critical components of the immune system, with different types playing various specialized roles in combating infections and diseases. Neutrophils and monocytes, both granulocytes and agranulocytes respectively, are part of the myeloid cell line and play key roles in the innate immune response. For instance, an infection would likely cause an increase in specific types of leukocytes that specialize in fighting particular pathogens, as seen in Olivia's case where neutrophil percentage was significantly increased.