Leukocytes

Leukocytes, for a layman white blood cells, plays a very important role in imparting immunity to an individual. By fighting and eliminating bacteria, viruses and fungus they prevent an individual from falling prey to infectious diseases. There are different types of leukocytes and other than lymphocytes, rest of them are most active in blood.

Leukocytes
White blood cells i.e. leukocytes, based on the presence or absence of staining granules in their cytoplasm are sometimes referred to as granulocytes or agranulocytes. Leukocytes depending on their size, function, microorganisms targeted by them and the mode of action employed by them against the microorganisms can broadly be divided into different types as follows (Total count of WBC's in Percentage as well as in Number (per microliter of blood)

• Neutrophils (54-62% or (1,800-7,800))
• Eosinophils (1-6% or (0-450))
• Basophils (less than 1% or (0-200))
• Lymphocytes (25-33% of total count of Leukocytes)
• Macrophages
• Monocytes (2-10% (0-800))
• Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are the type of white blood cells that are mostly found in the lymphatic system and forms the second line of defense of the immune system. Lymphocytes are differentiated as follows:

• B cells
• T cells
• Natural killer cells

Levels of Leukocytes
All of these immune cells work together to keep us healthy. In a healthy individual, the number of leukocytes in blood (blood count) is in the range of 4 x 109 and 1.1 x 1010 per liter. In plain numbers, it comes to 4,000 to 11,000 WBCs per micro-liter of blood. However, it has been found that the blood count is age-related. In the course of a day, it oscillates between low in the morning to high in the afternoon. The levels in children, especially in newborns and infants, are higher than adults. Increased levels in newborns and infants are mostly made up by the lymphocytes which takes care of the immune response for them. Because of this fact, a low lymphocyte count in children must be looked into as soon as it is noticed. In adults, the lymphocyte count is 1,000-4,800 per microliter of blood which, in case of children, comes to 3,000-9,500 per microliter. Increased level of leukocytes is a warning that all is not well with a body and is referred to as Leukocytosis which can be due to conditions such as infection, systemic illness, inflammation, allergy, leukemia. The decrease in leukocytes is referred to as Leukopenia, the causes of which are anemia, chemotherapy, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, and chemotherapy. Blood tests are done to determine how low white blood cell count has fallen to or how high white blood cell count has gone up by. In certain health conditions, its levels may indicate what is ailing an individual. Along with changes in the blood count, its presence in other body systems, far away from their natural habitat i.e. blood circulatory system and lymphatic system, and in the body wastes such as urine and stool is a cause of concern.

Leukocytes in Urinalysis
Presence of leukocytes in urine can be detected during urinalysis of urine samples in the laboratories. Detection in urinalysis, in absence of nitrates, signifies that something is wrong with the organs of the urinary system. Urine samples of a healthy person, normally, has leukocytes in it. Its presence in urine measuring up to the level of 0-10 lev/vl, is considered normal. However, if it crosses the level of 20 lev/vl, it is considered as abnormal and calls for an action to remedy the situation. Most often, it is an indication of bacterial invasion and the organs affected are kidneys, bladder or both.

Symptoms of Leukocytes in Urine
The symptoms of white blood cells in urine are listed as follows:

• Inflammation of kidneys
• Foul smell of urine
• Bladder tumor, which is also called systemic lupus erythematosus
• Presence of blood in urine
• Increased frequency of urination
• Painful urination
• Fever
• Cloudy urine

Causes of Presence of Leukocytes in Urine
The presence of leukocytes in urine can be due to various conditions which may have already appeared in the individual or not. Following is a brief list the causes:

• Urinary tract and ureters inflammation, also called cystitis or bladder inflammation.
• Kidney infections, such as, pyelonephritis which may indicate a weak immune response on the part of the individual.
• During pregnancy it is common to find white blood cells in urine.
• Sexual intercourse.
• Failure of bladder to completely empty itself, can create favorable environment for urinary tract infections.

Leukocytes in Stool
In a healthy person, stool should not contain any leukocytes at all. When it is called for, such as when a person is suffering from diarrhea which insists on persisting even after the use of antibiotics, examination of stool is carried out. The results of this test, which indicates the state of the digestive tract, may be given out using any of the following Interpretations:

• Absence of leukocytes in stool indicates that the diarrhea is due to a viral infection (most probably infection by Norovirus) or the presence of E.coli. It also means, if there is blood in stool, amebiosis.
• Moderate number of leukocytes in stool points to a digestive tract infection. The underlying cause of the condition may be due to bacillary dysentery (a cause of watery diarrhea) and shigella. The person may suffer from symptoms such as fever, stomach cramps, vomiting and body ache.
• The phrase, 'many number of leukocytes in stool' means there is severe intestinal tract infection; the cause of infection can be either typhoid (presence of monocytes), ulcerative colitis, shigellosis, infection, or invasive E. coli.

Whether the leukocytes are found in urine or in stool, it is the condition that demands proper care and strictly following the advice of your doctor, whether it is about your diet or medication.