The nurse is reviewing the white blood cell differential of a patient. Given the following results, what type of infection is most likely present?
Neutrophils, 50%
Lymphocytes, 45%
Monocytes, 2%
Eosinophils, 2%
Basophils, 1%
Explanation
• The percentage of lymphocytes is elevated at 45%, which is usually indicative of a viral infection.
• Acute bacterial infections usually show elevated neutrophils, though certain bacterial infections (pertussis and tuberculosis) will show high leukocytes.
• Parasitic infections result in an elevated eosinophil count.
• Fungal infections cause elevated monocytes and neutrophils.
Normal ranges:
•Neutrophils 55–70%
•Lymphocytes 20–40%
•Monocytes 2–8%
•Eosinophils 1–4%
•Basophils 0.5–1%