A Complete Blood Count (CBC) test is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help detect various types of infections by analyzing different components of blood, particularly white blood cells (WBCs). Here's how it works:
Types of Infections Detected by CBC
Bacterial Infections: An elevated WBC count, especially an increase in neutrophils, often indicates a bacterial infection. Neutrophils are the body's primary defense against bacteria, and their levels rise significantly during such infections.
Viral Infections: Higher levels of lymphocytes in the CBC can suggest a viral infection. Lymphocytes are crucial in the immune response to viruses, and their count may increase when the body is fighting off viral pathogens.
Parasitic Infections: Eosinophils, another type of white blood cell, may increase during parasitic infections or allergic reactions. A high eosinophil count can indicate the presence of parasites.
Chronic Infections: Monocytes can rise in response to chronic infections such as tuberculosis or certain viral infections like infectious mononucleosis. Their elevated levels may signal ongoing immune responses.
Inflammatory Conditions: The CBC can also reveal signs of inflammation, which may accompany various infections or autoimmune diseases.
In summary, a CBC test provides critical insights into the body's immune response and helps healthcare providers identify the presence and type of infection based on the specific white blood cell counts. This information can guide further diagnostic testing and treatment decisions.
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