Hematology: WBC functions, increases/decreases

primary function of neutrophils

phagocytosis

causes of neutrophilia

increased neutrophil count

leukmoid reactions, bacterial infections, chronic myelogenous leukemia, myelofibrosis, pregnancy

causes of neutropenia

decreased neutrophil count

viral illness, malaria, thyroid disorders, aplastic anemia, typhoid fever

primary function of lymphocytes

T-cells: cellular immunity

B-cells: humoral immunity, antibody production

causes of lymphocytosis

increased lymphocyte count

viral infections, pertussis, toxoplasmosis, TB, syphilis, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)

causes of lymphocytopenia

decreased lymphocyte count

AIDS, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, lupus, renal failure, administration of certain drugs

primary function of monocytes

phagocytosis

causes of monocytosis

increased monocyte count

recovery phase of an acute infection, ulcerative colitis, systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, TB, syphilis, many hematologic neoplasms such as myelodysplastic syndrome

causes of monocytopenia

decreased monocyte count

generally not an issue

primary function of eosinophils

allergic reactions, parasitic infections, chronic inflammation

causes of eosinophilia

increased eosinophil count

Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Polycythemia Vera, Myelofibrosis, Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Essential Thrombocytopenia, allergic disorders and parasitic infections

causes of eosinopenia

decreased eosinophil count

shock, trauma, surgery, administration of corticosteroids or epinephrine

primary function of basophils

enhance the immuno-inflammatory reaction

causes of basophilia

increased basophil count

allergic reactions, chicken pox, ulcerative colitis, various myeloproliferative disorders such as CML, PV, myelofibrosis

causes of basopenia

decreased basophil count

not a clinical problem