What happens to white blood cell levels during the presence of infection?

During an infection, the body’s immune response is activated, leading to an increase in white blood cell levels. White blood cells, or leukocytes, are crucial components of the immune system responsible for combating infections, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.

When the body identifies a pathogen, it signals the bone marrow to produce and release more white blood cells into the bloodstream. This increase helps the immune system to more effectively fight off the invading pathogens. Various types of white blood cells, such as neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, play specific roles in the immune response.

The increase in white blood cell counts can be a useful diagnostic indicator for healthcare professionals, as elevated levels typically signify that the body is actively fighting an infection. This physiological response is a vital part of the body’s mechanism to maintain health and defend against disease.