Excess of lymphocytes in the general blood test causes. If lymphocytes are elevated in an adult, what does this mean

A complete blood count is one of the most frequently prescribed and objective examinations. If lymphocytes are elevated in the blood, then doctors talk about lymphocytosis. The article tells about the reasons for the development of this pathological condition.

What are lymphocytes

Our blood is red due to red cells or erythrocytes. But they have faithful neighbors in the bloodstream - lymphocytes. This is a whole group of cells that has one important common quality: all lymphocytes protect the body.

Among them are:

• B cells. They are able to turn into a factory for the production of antibodies to any infections. They are considered the main fighters against bacterial diseases. They are formed in the bone marrow.
• T cells. Formed in the thymus and lymph nodes. T-lymphocytes are able to effectively resist viral and fungal infections. It is some of the T-cells that activate B-lymphocytes, transmitting a signal to them about the presence of infection in the blood.
• natural killers. The most mysterious and few of the lymphocytes, NK cells are able to fight cancer in the early stages. Killers destroy cells that are different from our body, such as those that have become tumorous or infected with a virus.

Lymphocytes - norm and pathology

Blood is made up of cells that are in a liquid solution. In a classic blood test, the number of lymphocytes is presented as a percentage. This is their relative importance. It shows which part of all immune cells is represented by lymphocytes.

Normal relative values ​​of lymphocytes depending on age:

We can talk about an increased number of cells if their value is higher than the norm recommended by this laboratory. Lymphocytes actively increase with stress and infections, with tumors and smoking. The increase in the level of lymphocytes in such different clinical situations is not always the same.

Doctors distinguish the following types of lymphocytosis:

• Absolute;
• Relative.

With the first case, everything is very clear - there are a lot of lymphocytes in quantitative terms. If the percentages are converted to absolute, then we get a large number of lymphocytes absolutely. Most often, lymphocytosis is absolute.

The relative increase in the number of lymphocytes is associated with a decrease in the number of other cells, neutrophils. As a percentage, lymphocytosis is determined in the blood test, but the absolute numbers are far from it. This situation occurs when the total number of leukocytes decreases. Therefore, if elevated lymphocytes are determined in the analysis with a low number of white blood cells, it is necessary to recalculate to absolute values.

Causes of lymphocytosis

What does an increased number of lymphocyte cells in adults or children indicate? Among all the possible options for increasing lymphocytes, there are both deadly and harmless conditions. That is why it is important not to panic when detecting changes in the blood test, but to carefully look for the cause. Below we will consider in detail why an increased level of lymphocytes is determined.

Infectious diseases

Lymphocytes are immune cells. They react sharply to any contagious disease. In the acute period, their number can reach large numbers. This is how the body tries to rid itself of germs.

Lymphocytosis occurs with bacterial infections such as:

• Tuberculosis;
• Whooping cough;
• Syphilis.

Classical bacterial infections - tonsillitis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis - rarely cause lymphocytosis. The causative agents of these infectious diseases cause rather an increase in the number of neutrophils. But with tuberculosis or whooping cough, the body reacts precisely with lymphocytosis. Such is the peculiarity of the microbes responsible for these infections.

High numbers of lymphocytes are often diagnosed in viral diseases. This is a feature of the impact of viruses on the human body.

Once in the blood, the causative agents of these infections cause a massive multiplication of lymphocytes:

• Herpes;
• Infectious mononucleosis;
• Flu;
• Measles, chickenpox, rubella;
• adenovirus infection.

It should be noted that an increase in the number of lymphocytes occurs in the acute period of the disease, reaching a maximum at the height of all symptoms. As you recover, the number of these cells gradually decreases. For several weeks after recovery, a routine blood test will still show lymphocytosis. This is a normal reaction of the human body that does not require treatment.

Autoimmune diseases

Some pathologies are not caused by an external microbe, but by an attack of one's own body. Immune cells - lymphocytes - begin to actively form antibodies to their cells. The more antibodies created, the stronger the autoimmune inflammation will be.

These are diseases such as:

• Autoimmune thyrotoxicosis;
• Rheumatoid arthritis;
• Crohn's disease;
• Ulcerative colitis.

Antibodies, even such “wrong” ones, are formed precisely by B-class lymphocytes. It is natural that any autoimmune process is accompanied by lymphocytosis. The numbers of lymphocytes in autoimmune diseases increase individually, not correlated with the activity of the process.

blood tumors

The hematopoietic system can also be affected by the oncological process.

Blood tumors are characterized by an overproduction of a certain type of cell, depending on the type of cancer:

• myeloblastic leukemia;
• Lymphoblastic leukemia.

Lymphocytosis is observed in lymphoblastic leukemia. Moreover, the values ​​of lymphocytes increase against the background of a very pronounced leukocytosis, which does not happen with classical infections. Extremely high, unusual leukocytosis in association with lymphocytosis should be alert for leukemia.

Lymphocytic leukemia can occur in acute and chronic variants. This is determined by a blood test. In acute leukemia, there are many young, immature lymphocytes in the bloodstream. They are not able to perform their functions, therefore they are a pathology. Usually there are few of them in the blood or not at all. In chronic leukemia, the number of mature lymphocytes is increased. But in such a large amount, the body does not need them.

Taking medications

Some of the drugs can affect the ratio of cells and cause relative or absolute lymphocytosis. You should always tell your doctor about the medicines you are taking. This will help avoid misdiagnosis.

Lymphocytosis can be caused by:

• Anticonvulsants (valproic acid, levodopa);
• barbiturates;
• Narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics.

If significant lymphocytosis occurs, the drug is canceled or changed to a similar one. This is necessary to confirm the medical nature of lymphocytosis. If the indicators increase slightly, then you can return to taking the previous medication.

Stress and hormonal changes

Stressful situations through the central nervous system and the endocrine system affect absolutely all organs. People tend to underestimate the harm that stress can do to the human body. But it can even manifest itself in a change in blood test parameters and provoke relative lymphocytosis.

In women, cyclic changes in the body can also cause lymphocytosis. During menstruation, the number of lymphocytes in some women increases relatively. If changes are detected in the analyzes during this period, the blood is retaken a week later.

Smoking

In this case, we will talk about relative lymphocytosis. Chronic smoking causes blood to thicken. The ratio of platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes to the liquid part of the blood increases towards cellular elements. In particular cases, this is manifested by lymphocytosis with intact values ​​of total leukocytes.

Heavy metal poisoning

Today it is a rare pathology and concerns mainly industrial workers. Heavy metals are used in some types of production.

Constant contact with metal vapors leads to the development of chronic intoxications:

• Mercury;
• Bismuth;
• Lead.

In the early stages, lymphocytosis may be the only manifestation of an occupational disease. Over time, the liver, nervous system, and heart are affected. With proper treatment and cessation of contact with the metal, the development of intoxication stops.

Splenectomy

Splenectomy is one of the most harmless operations for later life. Its consequences for many people occur without a trace and harmlessly. But in some, the removal of the spleen is accompanied by an increase in the number of blood cells, including lymphocytes.

The function of the spleen is to break down old, useless blood cells. She passes them through herself, filtering and destroying old lymphocytes. When the spleen is removed, the cells spend more time in the bloodstream because there is no one to destroy them. Such lymphocytosis does not require treatment and does not affect human health.

Video - Traitor lymphocytes: how to neutralize them

So, we all know that our health needs to be protected. We sometimes get sick and, almost constantly, we use folk remedies or other medicines that ease our pain and heal. But we never thought about the fact that our main panacea is the immune system.

Immunity is a human barrier that does not allow foreign bacteria to enter the territory of our body. But if it so happens that the disease has penetrated inside us, then the immune system is actively trying to overcome the causes of the infection.

The main representatives of our immune system are Lymphocytes - these are cells that contribute to the production of antibodies, and also control the cellular mechanism. An overabundance of such seemingly "useful" cells is a very sad sign that can lead to bad consequences.

What are elevated lymphocytes in the blood?

Lymphocytosis is a significant increase in lymphocytes in the blood. It is divided into two subgroups: relative and absolute. Relative - a condition in which the amount of such substances in a person's blood exceeds the norm (due to age). In adults from the age of 30, this condition is noted when deciphering the level of white bodies, you should get a number above 4 * 10 ^ 9 cells / liter of blood (look at the number of zosinophils per liter of blood). Absolute lymphocytosis is basically the percentage of their number per liter of blood. Also, this number can include hemoglobin, zosinophils, monocytes, basophils and neutrophils. The percentage can be reduced or increased, but the norm is considered to be from 19 - 20%. In any case, when collecting tests, the doctor first of all looks at the number of lymphocytes in the blood.

Increased lymphocytes in the blood what does this mean in an adult?

The main "vehicle" for the "defenders" is blood. The final point of arrival is the lymph nodes, spleen, bronchial vessels. When any harmful virus or infection enters, a response barrier reaction of the body begins. The release of antibodies begins to fight the "enemies". Sometimes there are a lot of them.

For example, SOE - erythrocytes, with a huge number of foreign organisms, can stick together, which indicates an increase in substances in the blood.

Leukocytes- their significant increase - indicates a bacterial infection, as well as a viral infection, which creates a tangible blow to the human body. Together, many antibodies form a huge accumulation of substances in the blood, which indicates Lymphocytosis. Therefore, if you find an increased result of the cells of this disease, it is better to consult a doctor.

Increased lymphocytes in the blood in women causes

What to say about adult girls, it is normal for them to increase the level of indicators due to their physiological properties. With the intensification of the creation of bodies, a completely normal reaction of the body appears, due to the bacteria and viruses that have invaded it. As soon as a woman becomes infected with some disease, for example, tuberculosis or the same chickenpox, the level of white cells jumps significantly. This indicates the sensitivity of the immune system in the female half of the population. Sometimes it will just be enough to drink pills or other medicines. But this does not mean that girls can breathe easy. Like men, women should definitely monitor the indicators more carefully, because a very frequent increase in the percentage of lymphocytes indicates a violation of the immune imbalance, which can affect the functioning of the kidneys and the reproductive system.

The main causes of increased lymphocytes in the blood in women:

• infectious diseases
• lymphocytic leukemia
• diseases of the endocrine system
• recovery period after measles, parotitis, tuberculosis
• bronchial asthma

Causes of increased lymphocytes in men

Because, we said that both young and adult women are very sensitive to various infections. It so happened that their body is built according to a different system. Let's talk about grown men.

We all know about the stereotype: "The death of a man occurs at a body temperature of 37.0." It is also worth noting that the level of red blood cells in adult men is lower, and the heart pumps blood more slowly than in women, therefore, in order to fill this gap, the body releases a huge amount of antibodies containing useful substances. But adult men over 45 should be afraid of this, because the reasons for the increase in lymphocytes indicate a malfunction in the heart or lymphatic system of the adult body, which leads to a heart attack or attack.

Causes of lymphocytosis in men:

• period of infectious diseases: asthma, tuberculosis, malaria, mumps, chickenpox
• lymphocytic leukemia
• bronchial asthma
• acromegaly, ovarian hypofunction, thyrotoxicosis, myxedema

Why does the level of lymphocytes in the blood increase during pregnancy?

Women during pregnancy are very susceptible to the external bacterial and infectious environment, due to the fact that the immune system is being rebuilt in her body. Now "protection" extends to the fetus to protect against various pathologies. Therefore, it is quite obvious that a pregnant woman perceives all external threats very sharply.

The number of Erythrocytes and Leukocytes in the body increases significantly for more reliable protection of the organs and the fetus. Timely initiated and adequate treatment of the underlying disease of the expectant mother allows you to safely cope with the imbalance. But, the lack of preventive treatment can only worsen the health of any person, and this can affect the health and condition of the unborn child. A negative impact on the baby and the continuation of pregnancy can occur due to neglect, not previously prevented, of the disease.

Increased lymphocytes in the blood of a child causes

A child who has just been born into the world does not have a very high level of lymphocytes in the blood, due to the fact that the child's immune system does not function to its full potential. But, some time after the birth, the number of lymphocytes begins to grow significantly and, until the age of four, the rate of a particular type of lymphocytes exceeds the number of other groups of leukocytes.

Causes of increased lymphocytes in the blood in children

To put it simply, an increase or decrease in the level of antibodies in any person is a sign of illness, and we already know that a change in the content of the number of white blood cells is necessary to fight infection or other negative effects on a still small organism. However, a sufficiently high percentage of antibodies in a child does not always mean that the cause is a viral disease, a tumor process, or another bacterial disease. With relative lymphocytosis, the cause of this result of a blood test may be other factors that reduce the level of the number of completely different types of leukocytes, for example, neutropenia.

With this disease, due to the lack of vitamin B12 in the blood or the use of incorrect drugs that extinguish the work of the body's defenders - neutrophils.

Causes of increased lymphocytes in the blood of a child:

The indicators of white cells in adolescents and the older generation also have their own differences. If we take a child of 12-16 years old, then at this age the child very often suffers from SARS or FLU. This is all in the aggregate of an infection, and, as we understand, during a transitional age, a person and his immune system undergo structural changes, and sometimes it is difficult for the body to cope alone with such a huge content of harmful bacteria.

The most important thing here is not to poison the child with antibiotics, do tests, and start treatment on time, due to the future normalization of the percentage of the level of lymphatic bodies in the blood.

Why does the level of lymphocytes in the blood increase in infants

Many infants sometimes experience neutropenia or physiological lymphocytosis. In a child, this imbalance in percentage terms is more noticeable than in others.

The norm is 50-80, therefore, with a slight excess, this is not at all critical. Not only in adults, but also in many children, this condition is relevant. Therefore, sometimes your expectations can scare you. The best way to check the status of the level of leukocytes, platelets and lymphocytes is to take blood tests.

There is also a possibility that the increased content of these substances in humans is associated with hereditary diseases acquired in the womb, or with improper formation of the body or lymphatic system at birth.

Increased lymphocytes in the blood treatment

There is no need to worry if you suddenly find out that the cause of your poor health is an increased level of bodies in the blood. Not to mention the fact that this condition in a person can be provoked by completely different and even, at times, very serious reasons.

If you suddenly received such an analysis, you should contact your doctor for advice, but not later than a month. What is very important, you should also consult a specialist if suddenly a significant content of lymphatic organisms in the blood has been noted repeatedly.

In order to make the most accurate and correct diagnosis for a sick person, a specialist should prescribe you a course of a comprehensive examination of the child's immune system, and you will also need to pass more than one series of tests as soon as possible to determine the presence or absence of infectious provocateurs.

Perhaps the Doctor will pay close attention to the bone marrow. Since an increase in the level of a person's number of lymphocytes, in which you can observe an increase in the spleen, liver or lymph nodes, is a serious reason to consult a hematologist and oncologist.

If the reason for the increase in the level of lymphocytes is provoked by infectious diseases, both an adult and a young person can be prescribed a course of anti-inflammatory drugs, also antipyretic and, importantly, antiviral compounds containing vitamin B12.

Also, the attending physician may prescribe specific antibacterial drugs. All drugs should be taken strictly according to the scheme that the specialist compiled for you.
At the same time, an adult, young person or child should support the work and mechanism of immunity. Indeed, when taking medications containing antibiotics, it is also advisable to drink pribiotics, which maintain the level of the microflora of the digestive system.

It is extremely important to understand that in order to provide a patient with lymphocytosis with a reliable and proper balanced diet, the diet should be composed of a significant amount of fruits and vegetables. It should be understood that during the period of long-term treatment, a person should give up alcohol and cigarettes, as well as serious mental and physical exertion, due to recovery.

If it suddenly happened that the cause of an increase in the number of leukocytes in a person is the result of some kind of oncological disease, appropriate treatment with the use of chemotherapy should be carried out.

A complete blood count is a very important procedure that requires careful conduct at least once a year, because any person should control all the mechanisms of the immune system and the functioning of organs in general.

It should be noted that if a large number of lymphocytes are found in the blood test, it is imperative to find out the nature of this pathology. The fact is that lymphocytosis is not considered an independent disease. It only serves as a non-specific indicator indicating the introduction of an infectious principle into the body. Consequently, most viral diseases such as tuberculosis, chickenpox, cytomegalovirus infection, measles are manifested by a significant increase in the level of lymphocytes by a factor of two.

Often, lymphocytosis is diagnosed during an increase in body temperature, as well as in the stage of exacerbation of chronic diseases. In addition, a similar blood picture may be present for some time immediately after the patient's recovery. It is important to remember that it is possible to normalize the quantitative indicators of lymphocytes only if an accurate diagnosis is made and, accordingly, an effective course of treatment for the underlying disease is completed. To do this, it is urgent to visit a general practitioner who will prescribe a series of studies in order to determine the violation that has arisen and exclude malignant neoplasms.

As a rule, the treatment of most viral ailments consists of the use of anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antipyretic drugs. In addition, antibiotic therapy may be indicated. The treatment of such serious diseases as myeloma and leukemia is peculiar and consists in the use of chemotherapy, as well as bone marrow transplantation.

What disease causes lymphocytosis?

What research needs to be done to determine the cause of lymphocytosis

Their main function is to provide a protective reaction of the body to stimuli (pathogenic microorganisms, histamines, parasites, etc.). Lymphocytes are also responsible for the "immune memory" of the body. Unlike other types of leukocytes, they no longer fight with external agents, but with internal ones, for example, with their own affected cells (mutating, cancerous, viral, etc.).

Types of lymphocytes and their function

Once in the blood, lymphocytes live in a “basic” form for a couple of days, then the glands of the body distribute them into various functional subspecies, which allows lymphocytes to respond more accurately to pathogenic microorganisms.

T-lymphocytes

The thymus gland (thymus) is responsible for the creation of T-lymphocytes from 80% of the base. After "training" T-lymphocytes, in turn, are distributed into subspecies:

• T-helpers (helpers);
• T-killers (killers);
• T-suppressors (limiters).

Assassins are naturally trained to attack foreign agents and eliminate them. Helpers develop special components that support and improve the function of killers. Suppressors literally limit the immune response to the invasion to prevent the active splitting of healthy cells of one's own body.

B-lymphocytes

From the basic set, up to 15% of white cells become B-lymphocytes. They are considered one of the most important cells of the immune system. It is enough for them to meet with a foreign agent once (bacteria, histamine, fungus, virus, etc.) to forever remember it and the way to deal with it, which makes the immune response faster and more accurate in the future. Thanks to the adaptive function of B-lymphocytes, immune resistance for life appears, and the effectiveness of inoculation is also increased.

NK lymphocytes

Naturalkiller (NK) is translated from English as "natural (natural) killers", which most closely matches the purpose of these agents. Only 5% of basic lymphocytes degenerate into NK lymphocytes. This subspecies is fully responsible for the elimination of its own cells if markers of damage by viruses or cancer are formed in them.

Indications for analysis

An analysis for lymphocytes is carried out as part of a clinical (general) blood test with a leukocyte formula. It is prescribed for the diagnosis of the following pathologies:

• general inflammatory processes in acute and chronic form;
• autoimmune diseases;
• infectious, viral or fungal infections;
• suppuration and sepsis;
• internal bleeding;
• oncology;
• allergic reaction;
• pathological course of pregnancy;
• diseases of the hematopoietic and circulatory system;
• pathology of the lymphatic system;
• radiation sickness;
• monitoring the effectiveness of treatment.

Norm of lymphocytes

White cells are evaluated in the same way as leukocytes based on absolute (LYM#) and relative (LYM%) scores.

If abnormal values ​​are detected, additional tests are prescribed that allow you to accurately determine the number of subspecies of lymphocytes. As a rule, such a need arises to assess the activity of the immune process, response and memory.

Lymphocytes are increased (lymphocytosis)

As a result of the analysis, an excess of the norm of lymphocytes, set by age and individual physiological parameters, can be detected. Such a deviation is called lymphocytosis and indicates the following:

• in the body there are inflammatory or infectious processes, viral, bacterial pathologies;
• in the pathogenesis of the disease, there is a peak or transition to an early stage of recovery;
• the presence of a disease that, as a rule, occurs once in a lifetime and develops strong immunity (chickenpox, mononucleosis, rubella, measles, and others);
• poisoning of the body with heavy metals (lead), chemical components (arsenic, tetrachloroethane), some medications. The level of lymphocytes in this case will allow you to assess the magnitude and danger of the dose taken;
• oncological processes.

Lymphocytes are low (lymphopenia)

The number of lymphocytes can be reduced in three cases:

The body produced a release of lymphocytes to eliminate the foreign agent, the white cells died, and the analysis was performed at that very moment (even before the maturation of new "defenders"). This could have happened early in the course of the disease (before the peak). Sometimes low lymphocytes also give "long" pathologies, such as AIDS, HIV and tuberculosis.

Treatment with certain groups of drugs, for example, corticosteroids, cytostatics, etc.

• The organs and systems responsible for hematopoiesis and specifically for the formation of lymphocytes were affected. In this case, the cause of a low level of lymphocytes can be:

  • all types of anemia (iron deficiency, folate deficiency, aplastic);
  • blood diseases (leukemia);
  • lymphosarcoma, lymphogranulomatosis;
  • cancerous tumors and methods of their treatment (chemo- and radiation therapy);
  • Itsenko-Cushing's disease.

A low level of lymphocytes often indicates serious and even incurable pathologies.

The decoding of the analysis is carried out by a hematologist, in consultation with a diagnostician, an infectious disease specialist and an oncologist. The earlier the analysis is carried out, the more likely it is to identify the disease at an early stage and provide effective treatment for the patient.

Preparation for the procedure

Preparation for analysis involves the following steps:

• Before donating blood for 10-12 hours, you can not eat food. Therefore, the analysis is prescribed for the morning time (usually up to 12 hours), except when the level of lymphocytes needs to be monitored regularly. In infants, the procedure is carried out 1.5-2 hours after feeding.
• water can only be drunk without gas, and 1-2 hours before the procedure, refrain from it. Juices, hot drinks, soda, etc. prohibited.
• 24 hours before the procedure, it is necessary to exclude alcohol, spicy and heavy food, and 2 hours before the procedure, stop smoking or using nicotine substitutes.
• before donating blood, you need to inform the doctor about taking medications and undergoing physiotherapy or other medical courses. It is advisable to do an analysis before or 2 weeks after treatment.
• it is recommended to take an analysis (including a second one) in the laboratory of the hospital where further examination and treatment will take place.

For standard microscopic examination, capillary blood is taken from a finger or from a vein. In newborns, blood can be taken from the heel.

If modern counter-cytometers are used in the laboratory, then at least 5 ml of material is required for the study. In this case, blood is taken from a vein.

What can affect the result

• A nurse's mistake in the process of taking blood, as well as a violation of the rules for storing and transporting biomaterial;
• Error of a laboratory assistant when studying the material;
• The dishonesty of the patient who violated the rules for preparing for analysis;
• Any, even minor, stress or physical activity immediately before the test;
• Medical manipulations performed on the eve of the procedure (radiography, physiotherapy, puncture, MRI, CT, massage, etc.);
• A sudden change in body position before donating blood can also give a false positive result;
• Menstruation in women. Doctors advise to conduct an analysis no earlier than 4 days after the end of menstrual bleeding;
• Pregnancy. The patient should warn the doctor before taking blood about the early stages of pregnancy.

Often, having received the results of a blood test, we can read the doctor's conclusion there that the lymphocytes in the blood are elevated. What does this mean, is this disease dangerous, and can it be cured?

What are lymphocytes?

All white blood cells that perform an immune function are called leukocytes. They fall into several categories:

• neutrophils,
• eosinophils,
• basophils,
• monocytes,
• Lymphocytes.

Each of these groups performs strictly defined tasks. If we compare the immune forces of the body with the army, then eosinophils, basophils and monocytes are special types of troops and heavy artillery, neutrophils are soldiers, and lymphocytes are officers and guards. In relation to the total number of leukocytes, the number of cells of this type in adults is on average 30%. Unlike most other white blood cells, which usually die when they encounter an infectious agent, lymphocytes can act multiple times. Thus, they provide long-term immunity, and the rest of the leukocytes provide short-term immunity.

Lymphocytes, together with monocytes, belong to the category of agranulocytes - cells that do not have granular inclusions in the internal structure. They can last longer than other blood cells - sometimes up to several years. Their destruction is usually carried out in the spleen.

What are lymphocytes responsible for? They perform a variety of functions, depending on the specialization. They are responsible for both humoral immunity associated with the production of antibodies and cellular immunity associated with interaction with target cells. Lymphocytes are divided into three main categories - T, B and NK.

T cells

They make up about 75% of all cells of this type. Their embryos are formed in the bone marrow, and then migrate to the thymus gland (thymus), where they turn into lymphocytes. Actually, this is also indicated by their name (T stands for thymus). Their greatest number is observed in children.

In the thymus, T-cells "are trained" and receive various "specialties", turning into the following types of lymphocytes:

• T cell receptors
• T-killers
• T-helpers,
• T-suppressors.

B cells

Among other lymphocytes, their proportion is approximately 15%. Formed in the spleen and bone marrow, then migrate to the lymph nodes and concentrate in them. Their main function is to provide humoral immunity. In the lymph nodes, type B cells "get acquainted" with antigens "presented" to them by other cells of the immune system. After that, they begin the process of formation of antibodies that react aggressively to the invasion of foreign substances or microorganisms. Some B cells have a "memory" for foreign objects and can retain it for many years. Thus, they ensure the body's readiness to meet the "enemy" fully armed in case of its reappearance.

NK cells

The proportion of NK cells among other lymphocytes is approximately 10%. This variety performs functions that are in many ways similar to those of T-killers. However, their capabilities are much wider than those of the latter. The name of the group comes from the phrase Natural Killers (Natural killers). This is a real "anti-terrorist special forces" of immunity. The purpose of the cells is the destruction of degenerated cells of the body, primarily tumor cells, as well as those affected by viruses. At the same time, they are able to destroy cells that are inaccessible to T-killers. Each NK cell is “armed” with special toxins that are lethal to target cells.

Why is a change in lymphocytes in the blood bad?

From the foregoing, it may seem that the more of these cells in the blood, the higher the person's immunity should be, and the healthier he should be. And often a condition when lymphocytes are elevated is a really positive symptom. But in practice, things are not so simple.

First of all, a change in the number of lymphocytes always indicates that not everything is in order in the body. As a rule, they are produced by the body for a reason, but to deal with some kind of problem. And the task of the doctor is to find out what the elevated blood cells are talking about.

In addition, a change in the number of white blood cells may mean that the mechanism by which they appear in the blood has been disrupted. And from this it follows that the hematopoietic system is also subject to some kind of disease. An increased level of lymphocytes in the blood is called lymphocytosis. Lymphocytosis can be both relative and absolute. With relative lymphocytosis, the total number of leukocytes does not change, but the number of lymphocytes increases relative to other types of leukocytes. With absolute lymphocytosis, both leukocytes and lymphocytes increase, while the ratio of lymphocytes to other leukocytes may not change.

The condition in which there are low lymphocytes in the blood is called lymphopenia.

Norms of lymphocytes in the blood

This rate varies with age. In young children, as a rule, the relative number of these cells is higher than in adults. Over time, this parameter decreases. Also, for different people, it can deviate greatly from the average value.

Norms of lymphocytes for different ages.

As a rule, lymphocytosis in adults is spoken of if the absolute number of lymphocytes exceeds 5x109 / l, and the number of these cells of the total number of leukocytes is 41%. The minimum allowable value is 19% and 1x109 / l.

How to determine the level of lymphocytes

To determine this parameter, it is enough to pass a general clinical blood test. The analysis is taken on an empty stomach, before passing during the day, you should not engage in physical activity, do not eat fatty foods, and do not smoke for 2-3 hours. Blood for general analysis is usually taken from a finger, less often from a vein.

A complete blood count allows you to find out how the different types of white blood cells correlate with each other. This ratio is called the leukocyte formula. Sometimes the number of lymphocytes is directly indicated in the transcript of the analysis, but often the transcript contains only English abbreviations. Therefore, sometimes it is not easy for an ignorant person to find the necessary data in a blood test. As a rule, the required parameter is indicated as LYMPH in a blood test (sometimes also LYM or LY). On the contrary, the content of blood cells per unit volume of blood, as well as normal indicators, is usually indicated. This parameter can also be referred to as "abs lymphocytes". The percentage of lymphocytes from the total number of leukocytes can also be indicated. It should also be borne in mind that different laboratories may use different methods of analysis, so the results of a general blood test may vary slightly in different medical institutions.

Causes of lymphocytosis

Why does the white blood cell count increase? This symptom can have several causes. First of all, these are infectious diseases. Many infections, especially viral ones, cause the immune system to produce an increased number of killer T cells and NK cells. This type of lymphocytosis is called reactive.

Viral infections that can cause an increase in lymphocytes in the blood include:

• Flu,
• Infectious mononucleosis,
• Herpes,
• Chickenpox,
• Measles,
• Rubella,
• adenovirus infection,
• Mumps.

Also, elevated lymphocytes in the blood can be observed with bacterial and protozoal infections:

• Tuberculosis
• brucellosis,
• Toxoplasmosis.

However, not every bacterial infection is accompanied by lymphocytosis, since many bacteria are destroyed by other types of leukocytes.

An increase in the number of white blood cells can be observed not only during illness, but also after some time after recovery. This phenomenon is called postinfectious lymphocytosis.

Another cause of lymphocytosis is diseases of the hematopoietic system (leukemia) and lymphatic tissue (lymphoma). Many of them are malignant. With these diseases, lymphocytosis is observed in the blood, but immune cells are not complete and cannot perform their functions.

The main diseases of the lymphatic and circulatory systems that can cause lymphocytosis:

• Lymphoblastic leukemia (acute and chronic),
• Lymphogranulomatosis,
• Lymphoma,
• Lymphosarcoma,
• Myeloma.

Other reasons that can cause an increase in the number of immune cells:

• Alcoholism;
• Frequent tobacco smoking;
• Taking narcotic substances;
• Taking certain medications (levodopa, phenytoin, some analgesics and antibiotics);
• The period before menstruation;
• Prolonged fasting and diets;
• Prolonged consumption of food rich in carbohydrates;
• Hyperthyroidism;
• allergic reactions;
• Poisoning with toxic substances (lead, arsenic, carbon disulfide);
• Immunity disorders;
• Endocrine disorders (myxedema, ovarian hypofunction, acromegaly);
• Early stages of some cancers;
• Neurasthenia;
• stress;
• Lack of vitamin B12;
• Injuries and wounds;
• Splenectomy;
• Accommodation in the highlands;
• radiation injury;
• Taking certain vaccines;
• Excessive physical activity.

Many autoimmune diseases, that is, diseases in which the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body, can also be accompanied by lymphocytosis:

• rheumatoid arthritis,
• Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Lymphocytosis can also be temporary or permanent. A temporary type of disease is usually caused by infectious diseases, injuries, poisoning, or taking medications.

Spleen and lymphocytosis

Since the spleen is an organ where immune cells break down, its surgical removal for some reason can cause temporary lymphocytosis. However, later the hematopoietic system returns to normal and the number of these cells in the blood stabilizes.

Oncological diseases

However, the most dangerous causes of lymphocytosis are oncological diseases that affect the hematopoietic system. This reason also cannot be discounted. And therefore, if it is impossible to associate a symptom with some external cause, then it is recommended to undergo a thorough examination.

The most common hemato-oncological diseases in which lymphocytosis is observed are acute and chronic lymphoblastic leukemia.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a serious disease of the hematopoietic system, in which immature immune cells are formed in the bone marrow that cannot perform their functions. The disease most often affects children. Simultaneously with the increase in lymphocytes, there is also a decrease in the number of erythrocytes and platelets.

Diagnosis of this type of leukemia is made with the help of a bone marrow puncture, after which the number of immature cells (lymphoblasts) is determined.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia

This type of disease is more common in older people. With it, there is a significant increase in non-functional B-type cells. The disease in most cases develops slowly, but almost does not respond to treatment.

When diagnosing a disease, first of all, the total number of type B cells is taken into account. When examining a blood smear, tumor cells can easily be identified by characteristic features. To clarify the diagnosis, immunophenotyping of cells is also carried out.

Lymphocytes in HIV

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is a virus that directly affects the cells of the immune system and causes a serious illness - AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). Therefore, the presence of this virus cannot but affect the number of lymphocytes in the blood. Lymphocytosis is usually seen in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, the immune system becomes weaker, and lymphocytosis is replaced by lymphopenia. Also, with AIDS, there is a decrease in the number of other blood cells - platelets and neutrophils.

Lymphocytes in urine

Sometimes the presence of lymphocytes can be observed in the urine, which should not be normal. This sign indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the genitourinary system - for example, urolithiasis, bacterial infections in the genitourinary tract. In kidney transplant patients, the presence of lymphocytes may indicate the process of organ rejection. Also, these cells can appear in the urine in acute viral diseases.

Decrease in lymphocytes - causes

Sometimes there may be a situation reverse to lymphocytosis - lymphopenia, when lymphocytes are lowered. For lymphocytes, a decrease is characteristic in the following cases:

• Severe infections depleting lymphocyte reserves;
• AIDS;
• Tumors of lymphoid tissue;
• Diseases of the bone marrow;
• Severe types of heart and kidney failure;
• Taking certain drugs, for example, cytostatics, corticosteroids, antipsychotics;
• Radiation exposure;
• immunodeficiency state;
• Pregnancy.

A situation where the number of immune cells is below normal may be a temporary phenomenon. So, if in the course of an infectious disease the lack of lymphocytes is replaced by their excess, then this may indicate that the body is close to recovery.

Changes in lymphocytes in the blood in women

For such a parameter as the content of lymphocytes, there are no gender differences. This means that in both men and women, the blood should contain approximately the same amount of these cells.

During pregnancy, mild lymphopenia is usually observed. This is due to the fact that increased lymphocytes in the blood of women during pregnancy can harm the fetus, which has a different genotype compared to the mother's body. However, in general, the number of these cells does not decrease below the normal range. However, if this happens, then the immune system can be weakened, and the woman's body can be susceptible to various diseases. And if the number of lymphocytes is above the norm, then this situation threatens with an early termination of pregnancy. Thus, it is very important for pregnant women to control the level of lymphocytes in the blood. To do this, you must regularly take tests, both in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy.

In women, the increase in the content of the number of immune cells can also be caused by certain phases of the menstrual cycle. In particular, during premenstrual syndrome, there may be a slight increase in lymphocytes.

Lymphocytosis in children

When a baby is born, the level of lymphocytes is relatively low. However, then the body begins to increase the production of white blood cells, and, starting from the first weeks of life, there are a lot of lymphocytes in the blood, much more than in adults. This is due to natural causes - after all, a child has a much weaker body than an adult. As the child grows older, the number of these cells in the blood decreases, and at a certain age they become less than neutrophils. In the future, the number of lymphocytes approaches the adult level.

However, if there are more lymphocytes than normal for a certain age, then this is a cause for concern. It is necessary to understand what causes lymphocytosis. Usually, the child's body reacts very violently to every infection, such as SARS, measles, rubella, releasing a huge amount of white blood cells. But when the infection recedes, their number returns to normal.

However, it should be remembered that lymphocytosis in children can also be caused by such a serious disease as acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Therefore, it is important to regularly check the number of white blood cells in a child with blood tests.

Symptoms of lymphocytosis

Does lymphocytosis manifest itself in any other way than a change in the composition of the blood? In the event that it is caused by an infectious disease, then the patient will experience symptoms characteristic of this disease, such as fever, chills, headaches, cough, rash, etc. But these symptoms are not symptoms of lymphocytosis itself. However, in some cases, with an increase in lymphocytes caused by non-infectious causes, there may be an increase in the lymph nodes and spleen - the organs where the most lymphocytes are located.

Diagnosis of the causes of lymphocytosis

With an increase in the number of lymphocytes, the causes of the increase are not always easy to detect. First of all, it is recommended to consult a general practitioner. Most likely, he will give a referral for several additional tests - blood for HIV, hepatitis and syphilis. In addition, additional studies may be prescribed - ultrasound, computed or magnetic tomography, radiography.

An additional blood test may be required to rule out an error. To clarify the diagnosis, you may need an operation such as a puncture of the lymph node or bone marrow.

Typical and atypical immune cells

In determining the cause of an increase in lymphocytes, an important role is played by determining the number of typical and atypical cell varieties.

Atypical lymphocytes are called blood cells that have different properties and sizes compared to normal ones.

Most often, atypical cells are observed in the blood in the following diseases:

• lymphocytic leukemia,
• toxoplasmosis,
• Pneumonia,
• Chicken pox,
• Hepatitis,
• Herpes,
• Infectious mononucleosis.

On the other hand, in many diseases, a large number of atypical cells are not observed:

• mumps,
• Rubella,
• Flu,
• AIDS,
• adenovirus infection,
• Malaria,
• Autoimmune diseases.

Use of other blood parameters in diagnostics

You should also take into account such a factor as (ESR). In many diseases, this parameter increases. The dynamics of other blood components is also taken into account:

• The total number of leukocytes (may remain unchanged, decrease or increase),
• Dynamics of the number of platelets (increase or decrease),
• Dynamics of the number of erythrocytes (increase or decrease).

An increase in the total number of leukocytes with a simultaneous increase in lymphocytes may indicate lymphoproliferative diseases:

• lymphocytic leukemia,
• Lyphogranulomatosis,
• Lymphoma.

Also, this condition can be characteristic of:

• acute viral infections
• hepatitis,
• endocrine diseases,
• tuberculosis,
• bronchial asthma,
• removal of the spleen
• cytomegalovirus infection,
• whooping cough
• toxoplasmosis,
• brucellosis.

Relative lymphocytosis (in which the total white blood cell count remains approximately constant) is usually associated with severe bacterial infections such as typhoid fever.

In addition, it occurs in the case of:

• rheumatic diseases,
• hyperthyroidism,
• Addison's disease
• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen).

A decrease in the total number of leukocytes against the background of an increase in the number of lymphocytes is possible after severe viral infections or against their background. This phenomenon is explained by the depletion of the reserve of cells of rapid immunity, primarily neutrophils, and the increase in cells of long-term immunity - lymphocytes. If this is the case, then, as a rule, this situation is temporary, and the number of leukocytes should soon return to normal. Also, a similar state of affairs is typical for taking certain medications and poisonings.

A decrease in the number of red blood cells against the background of lymphocytosis is usually characteristic of leukemia and diseases of the bone marrow. In addition, oncological diseases of the bone marrow are usually accompanied by a very large increase in lymphocytes - about 5-6 times higher than normal.

A simultaneous increase in the number of erythrocytes and lymphocytes can be observed in heavy smokers. The ratio of different types of lymphocytes can also be of diagnostic value. For example, in myeloma, first of all, the number of type B cells increases, in infectious mononucleosis - types T and B.

Treatment and prevention

Should lymphocytosis be treated? In the event that the lymphocytes are enlarged due to any diseases, for example, infectious, then the treatment of the symptom itself is not required. Attention should be paid to the treatment of the disease that caused it and lymphocytosis will go away by itself.

Infectious diseases are treated with either antiviral agents, as well as anti-inflammatory drugs. In many cases, it is enough to provide lymphocytes with a comfortable environment to fight infection - give the body a rest, eat right and drink plenty of fluids to remove toxins from the body. And then the lymphocytes, like the soldiers of the victorious army, "will go home", and their level in the blood will decrease. Although this may not happen the next day after the end of the disease. Sometimes a trace of an infection in the form of lymphocytosis can be observed for several more months.

A completely different matter is leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma. They will not pass "on their own", and in order for the disease to recede, it is necessary to make a lot of effort. The treatment strategy is determined by the doctor - it can be chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In the most severe cases, a bone marrow transplant is used.

Severe infectious diseases, such as mononucleosis, AIDS, also require careful treatment with antibiotics and antiviral agents.

Everything that has been said about the treatment of lymphocytosis is also true in relation to the prevention of this condition. It does not require specific prevention, it is important to strengthen the body as a whole and immunity in particular, eat right, avoid bad habits, treat chronic infectious diseases in time.