Low Neutrophils and High Lymphocytes

Neutrophils occupy the highest count amongst white blood cells in the body and are divided into two types, segmented neutrophils or 'segs' and banded neutrophils or 'bands'. Segmented neutrophils circulate in a mature form in which the nucleus is divided or segmented, while the nucleus in banded neutrophils appears in a form resembling a band or a rod. Neutrophil granulocytes are the body's primary form of defense against bacterial infection and trauma from physiological stress and form an integral part of the human immune system - in many cases, low neutrophils are one of the first pathological indications of a medical condition. Together with basophils and eosinophils, they form part of the polymorphonuclear cellular family, known for its multilobulated nucleus shape. Lymphocytes are another type of white blood cells and are primary components of the body's immune system. Blood tests revealing low neutrophils and high lymphocytes, may indicate the following.

What Causes Low Neutrophils?

Low neutrophils in blood indicate a condition called neutropenia. This can be hereditary or acquired, as in the case of leukemia or aplastic anemia. Neutrophils guard against bacterial infections, and are found in the blood stream, which allows them to respond quickly to trauma and move to the site of infection or inflammation. A low neutrophil count can mean depleted or compromised immunity. In addition, some types of medication can also lead to low neutrophils, such as those used in chemotherapy; some antidepressants, antibiotics and the drug lithium can lead to low neutrophils. Low neutrophils in children may severely hamper immunity and extra care needs to be taken to ensure minimal exposure to germs to avoid risk of infection. Typically, a bacterial infection will mean an increase in neutrophils, but the following are some conditions that may result in low neutrophils count:

• Mumps
• Rubella
• Typhoid
• Hepatitis
• Dialysis
• Lupus
• Abnormal enlargement of the spleen
• Rubeola
• Influenza

What Causes High Lymphocytes?

Lymphocytes are of three main types - T cells, B cells, and Natural Killer or NK cells. All lymphocytes are produced in bone marrow, of which T cells mature in the thymus, and B cells in the bone marrow itself. NK cells defend the body from tumors and cells infected by viruses, by killing infected cells. T cells and B cells form part of the adaptive immune system, B cells create antibodies in blood which are used to kill foreign bodies, while T cells help in the activation of cells that will neutralize threats. Low neutrophils and high lymphocytes generally signal a viral infection - the elevated count is a result of the bodies attempt to fight the infection. High lymphocytes indicate a condition called lymphocytosis, however the counts of what constitutes high levels and abnormally high levels may differ, and your doctor will diagnose the condition taking into account other symptoms that accompany this condition. The following are some of the conditions that may give rise to high lymphocytes in blood:

• Tuberculosis
• Whooping cough
• Crohn's disease
• Acute lymphocytic leukemia
• Mononucleosis
• Ulcerative colitis

A combination of low neutrophils and high lymphocytes can sometimes indicate a form of leukemia, though chances are higher of a viral infection. However it's imperative to investigate the causes further, in order to rule out other chronic autoimmune disorders and congenital problems. A complete blood cell count may be ordered by your doctor, along with other medical investigations. In case of queries about your blood count results, speak to your doctor so that you have no trouble understanding blood test results, possible causes for abnormal counts, if any, and the treatment process. Low neutrophils need not be a cause for grave concern if the situation is temporary, but forewarned is forearmed, so take care to educate yourself about the possible causes. Good luck!