Interpretation of a blood test for neutrophils. General blood analysis

Contains many indicators characterizing the state of the body as a whole and its individual systems or organs. A change in the basic characteristics of the blood indicates the presence of an inflammatory process or pathology.

What are neutrophils?

Neutrophils are a separate subtype of granulocytic leukocytes. These cells stain with both basic dyes and eosin. While basophils stain only with basic dyes, eosinophils stain only with eosin.

Neutrophils contain large amounts of the enzyme myeloperoxidase. This enzyme contains a heme-containing protein. It is this that provides the greenish tint to neutrophil cells. Therefore, pus and discharge, which contain many neutrophils, also have a greenish color and indicate bacterial inflammation. In case of viral diseases and helminth damage to the body, these blood cells are powerless.

Neutrophils support the immune system and help protect the body from the effects of viruses and infections. White ones are formed in the bone marrow at a rate of 7 million cells per minute. They circulate in the blood for 8-48 hours, and after that they migrate to tissues and organs, where they provide protection against infections and bacteria.

Stages of neutrophil development

Neutrophils are microphages that are able to absorb only small foreign particles in the body. There are six forms of neutrophil development - myeloblast, promyelocyte, myelocyte, metamyelocyte, band cell (immature forms) and segmented cell (mature form).

When an infection enters the body, neutrophils are released from bone marrow in an immature form. The presence and severity of the inflammatory process can be determined by the number of immature neutrophils in the blood.

Main functions of neutrophils

Neutrophils are the body's defender cells. Their main function is the absorption (phagocytosis) of bacteria and viruses that pose a danger to the human body. These cells can reach damaged tissues and engulf bacteria, first destroying them with their specific enzymes.

After engulfing the bacteria, the neutrophils are destroyed by releasing enzymes. These enzymes help soften surrounding tissue. Thus, at the site of their destruction, a purulent abscess will form, which consists of neutrophils and their remains.

In addition to phagocytosis, neutrophils are able to move, adhere to other molecules (adhesion), and also respond to chemical stimuli by moving towards them and absorbing foreign cells (chemotaxis).

Neutrophils: normal in blood test

Normal in an adult healthy person the number of immature (band) neutrophils in the blood should vary from 1 to 6% of all white blood cells. The number of segmented (mature) cells is in the range of 47-72%.

IN childhood the number of neutrophils can change at different age periods:

• In a newborn baby on the first day, this figure is 1-17% of immature cells and 45-80% of mature neutrophils.
• Neutrophils in a child under 1 year of age normally comprise: band cells - 0.5-4%, and the concentration of mature neutrophils - 15-45%.
• From one year of age to 12 years, the rate of immature neutrophils in the blood ranges from 0.5 to 5%, and the number of segmented cells is 25-62%.
• From 13 to 15 years, the rate of band neutrophils remains virtually unchanged at 0.5-6%, and the number of mature cells increases and is in the range of 40-65%.

It should be noted that in pregnant women and nursing mothers, the number of neutrophils in the blood does not differ from the normal level of a healthy adult.

Increased number of these cells in the blood

Neutrophils are “kamikaze” cells; they destroy foreign particles entering the body, absorb and break them down within themselves, and then die.

The level of neutrophils in the blood increases in the presence of an inflammatory process in the body; it reaches its highest values ​​when purulent inflammations(abscesses, phlegmon). Neutrophilia provides increased protection the body from viruses and infections affecting it.

Very often, neutrophilia is combined with an increase in the total number of leukocytes (leukocytosis). If immature band forms of cells predominate in the blood test, it is necessary to look for the presence of an inflammatory process of a bacterial nature in the body.

It is important to note that after intense physical activity, emotional stress, overeating or during pregnancy, neutrophils in the blood may slightly increase. In such cases, the balance of cells in the blood is restored independently.

What diseases cause neutrophilia?

An increase in the level of neutrophils in the blood can be caused by:

• localized or generalized inflammatory processes that were caused by acute bacterial infections;
• intoxication of the body, which affects the bone marrow (lead, alcohol);
• necrotic processes;
• malignant tumors that disintegrate;
• recent vaccination;
• intoxication of the body with bacterial toxins without direct infection.

When neutrophils are elevated in a blood test, this indicates a recent and cured infectious disease.

Reduced number of neutrophils in the blood

Neutropenia (decrease in the number of neutrophils in the blood) indicates inhibition of the hematopoietic function of the bone marrow. A similar pathology can be caused by the effect of antibodies on leukocytes, the influence of toxic substances and the circulation of certain immune complexes in the bloodstream. Most often they are a consequence of a decrease in natural immunity.

Neutropenia can have several forms of origin - of unknown nature, acquired or congenital. Benign chronic neutropenia is common in children in the first year of life. Until 2-3 years of age, this is considered normal, but then the neutrophil count should level out and meet accepted standards.

What diseases cause a decrease in the concentration of neutrophils?

Neutropenia is characteristic of diseases such as:

• agranulocytosis (sharp decrease in the number of cells);
• hypoplastic and aplastic anemia;
• diseases caused by protozoal infections (malaria, toxplasmosis);
• diseases caused by rickettsia (typhus);
• infectious diseases caused by bacteria (brucellosis, typhoid fever, paratyphoid);
• infectious diseases caused by viruses (measles, rubella, influenza);
• generalized infectious processes caused by severe inflammation in the body;
• hypersplenism (a decrease in the number of all blood cells due to their accumulation in or rapid destruction of cells);
• lack of body weight (cachexia);
• radiation exposure or radiation therapy;
• taking certain medicines(sulfonamides, penicillin, chloramphenicol, analgesics and cytostatics).

Neutropenia may be transient when caused by conventional antiviral therapy. In this case, the pathology does not require treatment, and blood counts recover on their own after elimination. viral infection.

If neutrophils are low for a long time, this indicates chronic diseases hematopoietic system. This phenomenon requires immediate intervention qualified doctors and prescribing a thorough examination and effective treatment.

What to do if neutrophil levels are abnormal?

If neutrophil levels in the blood deviate from the norm, it is necessary to take the same measures as if the number of leukocytes changes (normalize the daily diet, avoid communication with sick people).

As a rule, normalization of the level of neutrophils in the blood occurs due to the intake vitamin complexes And medicines, which can eliminate the causes of imbalance. But all prescriptions must be made by a doctor; self-medication is unacceptable!

If the disorders were caused by the therapy, then it is necessary to replace or completely eliminate the use of drugs that suppress the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow. Neutrophils in an adult indicate how strong the body’s natural defense is, so it is very important to maintain this indicator at normal levels and begin the necessary therapy on time.

When examining a blood test in detail, you can see the content of its components such as neutrophils. They help the body fight various infections, viruses, bacteria, fungi.

What are neutrophils, what types are they?

In the red bone marrow, the formation of neutrophil leukocytes occurs, four initial stages of development and their further movement throughout the body. You can see these cells by doing a detailed blood test, which contains only one percent of total number neutrophils, the rest of them are located in the internal organs.

Neutrophils are white blood cells, which are a type of leukocyte. Their main task is to perform the process of phagocytosis in the body. In this case, neutrophils, having absorbed bacteria, die. Cells of this type of leukocyte are divided into two subtypes:

1. Segmented type, having a clear structure and a formed core;
2. A rod-type species that does not have a fully formed nucleus and is considered immature.

Band neutrophils, when maturing, turn into segmented neutrophils by dividing the nucleus into segments. Moreover, only after the ripening process do they perform phagocytosis - devouring cells infected with infections.

Immunity depends on the normal number of neutrophilic leukocytes in the blood. The course of all inflammatory reactions in organism. An increase or decrease in these blood cells in a blood test helps determine the cause of the disease and the stage of development of the disease.

What is the norm for an adult?

In the blood of an adult healthy person, the following percentages of granulocytes (neutrophils) are considered normal: segmented cells should be contained within the range of 42-72%, and immature band cells should be no more than 5%.

In case of a decrease in the number of neutrophil leukocytes, the stage of development of the disease neutropenia is determined:

• mild form - 1 μl contains more than one thousand cells, but less than one and a half thousand;
• medium form - 1 µl contains from 500 to 1000 cells;
• severe form is less than five hundred units of white blood cells per 1 μl.

A low level of neutrophils in the blood is accompanied by changes in a person’s condition - body temperature rises, weakness, chills, increased sweating appear, headache, problems with teeth in the oral cavity.

Other symptoms may indicate the progressive development of the disease, so urgent hospitalization, blood tests and correct diagnosis of the disease are necessary.

An increase in immature neutrophils may indicate an attack by a virus, the presence of infectious bacteria in the body, or the course of an inflammatory process.

What is dangerous about a decrease in the level of neutrophils in the blood?

Various changes in the composition of leukocyte cells in the human body indicate the occurrence of inflammatory reactions caused by infections, viruses, and bacteria.

Having done detailed analysis blood, you can see a decrease and increase in the level of both mature forms of neutrophils and immature ones.

Neutropenia, or a decrease in the number of these blood cells, indicates the following reasons emergence and development pathological processes in the body such as:

• long-term course of severe diseases caused by bacteria (tularemia, typhus, brucellosis);
• infection with viruses (hepatitis, measles, rubella);
• processes of hematopoietic disorders (leukemia, aplastic anemia, lack of vitamins B 12, B 9);
• bone marrow depletion caused by poisoning with metal salts, alcohol, radiation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, interferon, painkillers and immunosuppressants.

Over the course of a year, neutrophils can decrease about 3-5 times without deteriorating a person’s health. This process is also accompanied by an increase in the number of eosinophils and monocytes and is called cyclic neutropenia.

Neutrophils are low in an adult: reasons

Any change in the number of mature and immature neutrophils in the body will help identify a detailed blood test prescribed by a doctor and examined in the laboratory. For a laboratory technician, the indicators of lymphocytes, monocytes, segmented and band neutrophils are extremely important and interesting.

If the mature forms of leukocytes decrease, the doctor diagnoses the presence of a viral disease, infection of the body with infections or inflammation of individual organs, be sure to also compare the quantitative indicators of red blood cells.

In the case of a critical decrease in the mature type of neutrophils, suspicion arises of such dangerous diseases, How:

• metastases in the bone marrow;
• stomach ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
• leukemia;
• thrombocytopenia;
• poisoning;
• complications after radiation therapy.

If there are concerns about the development of these diseases, there is an objective need to conduct further examinations and prescribe medical supplies to stop and eliminate the causes of infectious or viral infection.

A decrease in segmented cells may also be caused by long-term use drugs such as penicillin and analgin.

In the body of a pregnant woman, decreased levels of mature and immature forms of blood cells can lead to the threat of miscarriage.

Only a doctor can competently and correctly determine the cause of a decrease in any type of neutrophils. He will appoint additional examination, will install the process necessary treatment diseases.

If neutrophils are low and lymphocytes are high in an adult

• various viruses:
• tuberculosis;
• the course of acute and chronic forms of lymphocytic leukemia;
• hyperthyroidism (increased hormone levels);
• lymphosarcoma (appearance malignant tumor).

Only by examining the leukocyte form in detail can one see a significant decrease in neutrophils and a simultaneous increase in lymphocytes, because the total number of all leukocytes in the general analysis does not change.

IN in this case we can confidently talk about the presence of a viral infection in the body, the presence of a malignant tumor, and a blood test will help determine negative impact on internal organs any radiation or simply taking certain medications incorrectly.

In some cases, after treatment for influenza, ARVI, colds when blood counts are just beginning to return to normal, you can see a decrease in neutrophil granulocytes with increased lymphocytes which are gradually returning to normal. That is, neutropenia against the background of lymphocytosis indicates that the infection is neutralized in the body and is undergoing a healing process.

Decreased neutrophils in children: causes

Any change normal level blood cells in the child's blood indicates a change immune defense. A low level of neutrophil leukocytes indicates the presence of neutropenia.

You can determine the indicators of these leukocyte cells by taking a finger prick blood test to study in detail the composition of all types of neutrophils in the laboratory.

Normal content white immune cells in the child’s body can be seen in the table.

In children over thirteen years of age, the quantitative content of neutrophils in the blood is close to the normal levels of this level of adult cells.

There are a number of reasons leading to a decrease in the levels of blood cells of this type. This can be expressed both as a percentage and in quantitative indicators of mature and immature forms of neutrophils. A significant change may indicate the following diseases:

• viral diseases (influenza, ARVI, measles, hepatitis, rubella);
• chemical poisoning;
• fungal infections;
• radiation during chemotherapy;
• acute leukemia;
• anemia (iron deficiency, aplastic, hypoplastic and megaloblastic origin);
• condition after anaphylactic shock;
• thyrotoxicosis.

Also, the use of medications such as painkillers, glucocorticosteroids, anticonvulsants can lead to a noticeable decrease in neutrophil leukocytes. IN early age a decrease in neutrophils is a normal process - their number should increase as the body matures, therefore, observing normal well-being in children, there is no need to worry too much about this.

And in conclusion - an interesting video about neutrophils.

The site provides background information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases must be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Consultation with a specialist is required!

Neutrophils and their significance in tests: increase and decrease in the level of neutrophils in a general blood test, in smears, as well as in sputum analysis
Neutrophils are blood cells that are members of a group of leukocytes that help protect the human body from certain infections. The largest number of these blood cells circulate in the blood for just a few hours, after which they penetrate into organs and tissues and provide them with the necessary protection from infections.

Neutrophils - what are they?

Neutrophils are also called neutrophilic granulocytes . They are one of the types of leukocytes, that is, white blood cells, which tend to take an integral part in maintaining the body's immune defense. It is these cells that help to the human body resist various viruses, bacteria and infections.

The process of maturation of neutrophil granulocytes occurs directly in the bone marrow, after which they immediately penetrate into the blood at a speed of approximately seven million per minute. They remain in the blood for no more than two days, after which they move to tissues and organs, protecting them from infectious pathologies.
The process of destruction of old neutrophils occurs in tissues. If we talk about the process of maturation of these cells, then it occurs in exactly six stages, which follow one after another: myeloblast, promyelocyte, myelocyte, metamyelocyte, stab And segmented cell . All forms of these cells other than the segmental cell are considered to be immature. If inflammation or infection develops in the human body, the rate of release of neutrophils from the bone marrow immediately increases. As a result, cells that are not fully matured enter the human blood. The number of such immature cells indicates the presence bacterial infection. In addition, they provide information regarding the activity of this infection in the patient’s body.

Most main function, assigned to neutrophils, is destruction of bacteria. In the case of the development of acute infectious pathology, the number of these blood cells increases sharply. It should be noted that these cells can perform their function even in those tissues that receive a very small amount of oxygen. These may be tissues that are affected by both swelling and inflammation.

First, these cells are identified, after which they phagocytose bacteria, as well as tissue decay products. Having absorbed these components, they destroy them through their enzymes. Enzymes that are released during the breakdown of these cells also contribute to the softening of surrounding tissues. As a result, there is an abscess on the face. In fact, the pus in the area of ​​the affected areas includes just neutrophils, as well as their remains.

The normal level of neutrophils in the blood

If a person is completely healthy, then in his blood there should be from one to six percent of band neutrophils, that is, immature forms of these cells, and from forty-seven to seventy-two percent of segmented neutrophils, that is, mature forms of these cells.

The number of these blood cells in a child’s blood is determined by his age:

• On the first day, the baby’s blood contains from one to seventeen percent of band neutrophils and from forty-five to eighty percent of segmented neutrophils.
• In children under twelve months of age: gender - four percent of band neutrophils and fifteen to forty-five percent of segmented neutrophils.
• In children aged from one to twelve years, the number of band neutrophils is half - five percent, and segmented - twenty-five to sixty-two percent.
• At the age of thirteen to fifteen years, the child’s blood contains six percent of band neutrophils and forty to sixty-five percent of segmented neutrophils.

During pregnancy, the normal number of these cells is the same as in adults.

Increased level of neutrophils in the blood

Excessive amounts of these blood cells can be observed in any acute inflammatory process. This can be either sepsis, otitis media, bronchitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, and so on. Especially many neutrophils can be detected in the event of the development of any purulent pathology.
Band neutrophils react especially strongly to inflammatory and purulent processes in the body. As a result, there is an increase in the patient’s blood, called in medicine a shift of the leukocyte formula to the left. With the development of complex purulent-inflammatory diseases, in which there is also a strong

What it is? Neutrophils are one of the most numerous cells among the five structural types of leukocyte cells that perform the function of phagocytosis in the body. Act as an assistant to the immune system in the fight against external and internal counterparties.

Their number and imbalance in the blood indicates severity clinical course illness, helping the doctor determine the cause of deviations, clarify the diagnosis and evaluate the effect of the chosen treatment tactics.

Mine life cycle neutrophils begin in the hematopoietic organ (bone marrow). Once in the bloodstream, they circulate in it for no more than two days, dissipating through the bloodstream through tissues and intertissue spaces - 40% enters the mucous membranes of organs and tissues, 1% circulates in the blood, the rest are deposited in the bone marrow. The general life cycle of neutrophils in healthy people is 2 weeks.

There are two forms of neutrophils:

1. Segmented ( mature cells), their norm in leukocyte analysis varies from 47 to 72%. Due to the special structure of the cells, which include in the structure of their nucleus up to 5 segments connected by bridges and many specific granules in the cytoplasm, such neutrophils are called neutrophil granulocytes.
2. Band cells (immature, young cells), the norm of which in the blood, does not exceed 3% of the total number. It is the number of immature cells that increases significantly, with a signal from the immune system to “mobilize” and a simultaneous decrease in mature segmented cells.

IN leukocyte formula the norm of young cells ranges from 1 to 6%. If test results indicate that the level of mature neutrophils is reduced and leukocytes are increased, this indicates the development of an acute bacterial or massive infectious process.

Neutrophils photo

Functional properties neutrophils are caused by:

• phagocytic protection against infections;
• processes of tissue regeneration;
• solving the problem of transport of biologically active substances and neutralization of antibodies;
• regulation of metabolism and cellular functions.

The protective factor of neutrophil phagocytosis is provided by the presence in their structure of typical granules containing various enzymes and substances that break down “aggressors” that have entered the body. Some granules are capable of synthesizing specific proteins or releasing substances with high bactericidal protection properties. And their 4th type triggers the mechanism of phagocytosis to transform cell membranes and absorption of foreign matter - bacteria, fungal and viral particles.

A characteristic feature of leukocyte neutrophils is the ability to live in conditions of reduced oxygen availability, and NETosis (cell death) during the protective process.

With signs of invasion of foreign agents, there is an increase in the number of mainly immature band leukocyte neutrophils. As a result of their NETosis (death), a purulent substrate is formed, consisting of cellular fragments (nuclei, membranes).

It is the chromatin coloring of the nuclei that determines the characteristic color of pus. The presence of complement substances in granule cells determines their dominant position in the formation of the innate immune system.

Neutrophils are elevated - what does this mean in adults and children?

What means increased neutrophils? If the tests reveal an increase in neutrophils, this indicates that a specific defense mechanism to combat inflammation or infection. This condition is medically called neutrophilia or neutrophilia. The genesis of acute purulent processes in the body, accompanied by inflammatory reactions, is usually divided into two groups:

1) Local, due to development infectious processes V respiratory system, abscesses and acute pathologies in genitourinary system. As a rule, with such disorders, neutrophilia is moderate.

2) Generalized, characterized by the presence of a significant increase in leukocyte neutrophils due to the development of peritonitis, extremely severe infections, or extensive sepsis.

This type of neutrophilia is called pathological. In parallel with the increase in neutrophil cells, additional production of lymphatic cells begins to fight infection. A simultaneous increase in neutrophils and lymphocytes is characteristic of:

• viral infection of lymphatic tissue. For example, with mononucleosis;
• autoimmune diseases;
• malignant tumors localized in the bone marrow;

Additional production of lymphatic cells is also observed with chronic course diseases. Their level is especially high during the period of increasing temperature in humans, with acute inflammatory processes. In addition, the pathological genesis of neutrophilia is due to the influence of several factors:

1) Increased formation of leukocyte neutrophils at the site of their production (in the hematopoietic organ).

2) Reduced release of mature (segmented) cells from the circulating blood into tissue structures.

3) Advanced level neutrophil cells in the bloodstream and a simultaneous decrease in those cells that are localized directly near the vascular walls of the circulatory system.

The cause of an increase in neutrophils in adults and children can be either one of these factors or be a consequence of their combination, manifesting itself in a moderate, severe or severe degree of the clinical picture.

But neutrophilia may not always be a consequence of pathological processes in the body. In addition to pathological neutrophilia, there is also a physiological form.

This suggests that the increase in neutrophils in adults does not depend on the influence of various pathologies, but may be a consequence of:

• influence extreme temperatures(heat or cold);
• anxiety and stress conditions;
• vomiting or severe pain;
• excessive loads and harmful working conditions;
• hemorrhages during menstruation or the ovulation phase.

Features in children

In children, physiological neutrophilia can manifest itself due to overly active mobility, psycho-emotional stress, loads, or be hereditary factor. For example, due to congenital hereditary hemoglobinopathy (sickle cell anemia) or cold allergy (), in which the increase in neutrophils in the leukocyte analysis is chronic.

If children experience an increase in band neutrophils, this is already evidence of pathological neutrophilia, indicating serious problems in health. The genesis is not much different from the causes in adults. The most common are due to:

• development of tonsillitis;
• or ;
• otitis, or purulent abscess;
• individual reaction to medications.

Neutrophilia is characteristic of children with genomic pathology (Down syndrome); at the same time, an increased number of immature band leukocyte neutrophils is noted in the blood. This symptom, in most cases, is transitory, but also increases the risk of developing acute leukemia.

Often, increased neutrophils in a child and decreased lymphocytes indicate the presence of a chronic or focal bacterial infection, with acute clinic currents. In this case, there may be manifestations wet cough, wheezing breathing, elevated temperature, discharge of purulent secretions from the nasopharynx and runny nose.

But such indicators in the child’s analyzes may persist even when he has just recently suffered infection bacterial in nature.

Elevated neutrophils during pregnancy - what does this mean?

If during pregnancy, in the leukocyte analysis, neutrophils are increased, then in most cases this is considered normal physiological state. During this period, the immune system perceives the developing fetus as a foreign agent and begins increased production of leukocytes and their shaped elements, including neutrophils. Prolactins, female hormones, regulate this process.

In progress intrauterine development a considerable amount of waste products of the child is formed, as a result of which a large number of rod “cleaners” are released into the blood.

During the period of bearing a child, it is necessary to carefully monitor leukocyte blood counts. Because high level neutrophils often indicate a possible likelihood of termination of pregnancy or unplanned delivery.

A large amount of toxic waste released by a grown fetus causes changes in the hormonal background of a woman. The immune system will perceive this as a threat to health and makes attempts to protect female body from the problem that arose by terminating the pregnancy.

• Only constant medical monitoring of the situation can prevent the development of pathological processes.

Indicators of the leukocyte formula with signs of neutrophilia are not an unambiguous statement of development pathological conditions organism, but can only be a sign of the manifestation of clinical symptoms. And to identify the true cause and prevent errors in treatment, a thorough differentiated assessment of leukocyte analysis is necessary with a comparison of all existing signs.

Neutrophils are a large group of leukocyte cells that are responsible for immune reaction in organism. All immune cells help fight infection during illness and protect the body from viral and bacterial damage.

Neutrophils are responsible for fighting bacteria. And if the level of neutrophils is low, this can lead to a decrease or absence of the immune system's resistance to fighting infections.

Types of neutrophils

Neutrophils are white blood cells - one of 5 types, and occupy the largest volume. Cells occupy more than 70% of the total number of white blood cells in the leukocyte formula.

Neutrophils, in turn, are also divided into 2 subtypes: band and segmented. come in young forms. All the differences are in the kernel.

Neutrophil granulocytes in the form of rods have an S-shaped integral nucleus in their structure. Over some time, this structure collapses and breaks into 3 parts, which move towards the poles of the cell. After this stage, white blood cells have 3 nuclei, which are distributed into segments.

Neutrophils in the leukocyte formula

To determine pathological changes in the leukocyte formula, you need to know the normal values ​​​​of cell content in the blood.

In a general blood test there is always a point for the quantitative content of leukocytes, all its types. It shows the exact number of cells in 1 liter of blood and is measured in billions (10 9).

The leukocyte formula is calculated in relation to the total volume of white blood cells. It represents the percentage of 5 varieties of a given type of cell.

For an adult, the normal number of band neutrophils is 1-6%. The share of segmented cells in women and men accounts for 45-72%. In analysis forms, these cells are designated neu.

In children, the ratio is slightly changed, but in general, it is close to those indicated numerical values, more details below.

Reasons for the decrease in neutrophils

Neutrophils are absent or reduced in the blood various reasons. It can be fungal diseases, damage to the body by protozoa, severe course viral diseases, hereditary mutations associated with inhibition of granulocyte growth in the bone marrow, malignant processes. Let's take a closer look at the groups of reasons and what this means for the body.

Viral diseases

Viral agents damage the cells of the body. Subsequently, the affected cell begins to produce viral genetic information, which allows the foreign particle to multiply and colonize the body's cells at high speed. T- and B-lymphocytes are responsible for the immune response against viral agents. Due to the fact that the leukocyte formula shows the percentage of all types of white blood cells, it is sometimes difficult to understand what decreased neutrophils in the blood actually or relatively.

The reduced content may be relative, due to an increase in lymphocytes relative to the normal number of neutrophils. That is, there may be changes in the leukocyte formula. Then segmented neutrophils will decrease, and lymphocytes will be increased. That is, the bone marrow sprout, in response to a viral attack, produces many new lymphocytes, while neutrophils remain in the same normal quantity. And then a similar picture is observed.

Or neutropenia in adults may occur due to attack or depletion of the bone marrow granulocyte lineage. You can find out why granulocytes are low in the blood using some calculations. You need to take the total number of leukocytes and find out the quantitative content of the cells of interest in the blood in 1 liter.

The following viral diseases can lead to a similar picture:

• ARVI;
• measles;
• rubella;
• parotitis;
• viral hepatitis of various origins;
• HIV infection.

Bacterial diseases

Neutropenia with the development of bacterial contamination of the body can develop with a severe, protracted course of the disease. The body spends all its resources to fight the infectious agent, for which neutrophils are responsible. After a long confrontation, the bone marrow sprout is depleted and requires time to recover. Then blood depletion occurs this type white blood cells.

Also, in some conditions, a reflex decrease in the content of neutrophils in the blood occurs.

Neutropenia in case of bacterial infection is observed during these diseases:

• typhoid fever;
• paratyphoid fever;
• miliary tuberculosis;
• tularemia.

In addition to specific types of bacteria, neutropenia can also be observed with generalized or local damage to organs by staphylococci and accompanies the following types of pathologies:

• otitis media;
• spicy ;
• sepsis;
• scarlet fever;
• osteomyelitis;
• spicy ;
• bacterial pneumonia;
• severe meningitis;
• peritonitis;
• tonsillitis lacunar and necrotic;
• acute cholecystitis;
• thrombophlebitis with the addition of a secondary infection.

Among other things, severe burns involving secondary damage by bacterial flora are also accompanied by neutropenia.

Other reasons

In addition to bacterial and viral diseases, there are many pathological processes that cause low level neutrophils in the blood.

Radiation therapy, excessively increased background radiation inhibits hematopoiesis in spinal cord, which includes band and segmented neutrophils, since they are the most susceptible to radiation reactions are poorly differentiated cells.

Poisoning with heavy metals and other substances also causes a decrease in the number of neutrophils at the bone marrow level. This can happen against the background of severe intoxication with lead, mercury, and poisons. A similar picture is manifested by a complication of vaccine administration.

When neutrophils are low in an adult, this is typical for hereditary diseases and metabolic pathologies: gout, diabetes(decompensated stage), Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, uremic intoxication, eclampsia in pregnant women.

The main problem resulting in a decrease in neutrophils in the blood is malignant neoplasms and degeneration of blood cells. Neutropenia most often occurs when acute leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, erythremia.

I wonder what anaphylactic shock for unknown reasons, it will also show a low level in the general blood test. In this case, band neutrophils are often reduced in adults.

Medicines that help fight development malignant neoplasms also cause inhibition of bone growth, which causes complete agranulocytosis. This is a side effect of the drug, since drugs cannot selectively inhibit the growth and mitosis of malignant cells. Active substance affects everything cellular structures body.

Classification of neutropenia

Based on the type of development, there are 3 types of decrease in neutrophil levels:

Congenital;

Acquired;

Unknown origin.

Neutropenia of unknown etiology also includes the benign type. In this case, the pathological lack of cells is normalized by 2-3 years of life. There are times when reduced level neutrophils are periodically detected and soon normalize again. This type of cell failure is called cyclic neutropenia.

There are also 3 gradations in severity. It is determined by quantitatively counting neutrophils in 1 ml of blood. The normal content of the above-mentioned type of white blood cells in a healthy person is 1500 cells per 1 ml.

1. Light form- in the presence of neutrophils in 1 ml of blood from 1000 to 1500 cells;
2. Moderate severity - when the blood test level drops to 500-1000 units per 1 ml;
3. Severe form - characterized by a critically low content of neutrophils in quantities from zero to 500 cells.

Symptoms of Neutrophil Deficiency

The mild form often does not cause any symptoms. The body compensates for neutrophil levels below normal with phagocytes, which makes it possible to fight pathogenic flora, but over a much longer period of time.

Acute bacterial diseases depending on the type of course and the previous content of neutrophils in the blood, they have various symptoms. If the cells are within 500-1000 units, then hyperthermia (38-39 °C), activation of the complement system and destruction of bacterial flora are observed. A lack of neutrophils can provoke the transition of the disease to a chronic form, since the subcompensated level cannot completely sanitize the lesion.

Symptoms of severe neutropenia manifest themselves in a reverse reaction to the disease. Cells may be completely absent in the body, which is usually due to inhibition of the granulocytic lineage. Then the development and reproduction of any bacterial flora will be very intense, but the body will not show any reaction or corresponding symptoms. Only lightning-fast development of specific symptoms of the disease will be observed.

I wonder what chronic form even severe neutropenia is much easier to tolerate by the body, and fewer infections occur than during development acute failure. This can only be explained by the fact that our the immune system adapts as much as possible to the lack of resources and always looks for workarounds. A gradual decrease gives time for this search for additional protective reactions.

How to increase the content of cells in the blood?

To be sure exactly how to increase neutrophils in the blood, you first need to determine the reason for their decrease. A hematologist will be able to help in searching and discovering the cause, who will further treat and raise the level of affected cells.

Mild neutropenia does not require treatment. Usually the cell number returns to normal on its own. normal values, some time later. It is important to periodically monitor the level of neutrophils in the blood until their number is restored by taking clinical analysis blood.

After conducting certain research methods and discovering the reason why neutrophils were reduced, the doctor selects the appropriate treatment:

If the problems were caused by damage to the bacterial flora and depletion of the body, the doctor prescribes antibacterial drugs for outside help, this increases the chances of a successful fight;

if affected by protozoa or fungi, antiprotozoal and antimycotic drugs will be prescribed;

specific and nonspecific treatment will help in the fight against the virus antiviral drugs and interferons;

Reception of provoking this pathology medications should be stopped;

errors in diet and lack of vitamins that play a role in maintaining a normal number of blood cells must be corrected;

The doctor must, in addition, prescribe a complex of immunomodulators and immunostimulants that increase the level of immune cells in order to quickly restore the pool.

If the cause is a malignant lesion of bone marrow cells, then treatment will be long-term. It is important to remember that earlier contact medical institution with a similar problem gives more chances for successful treatment and a speedy recovery.