Lymphocyte's play a major role in defending the human body from many foreign invaders. Which is why, there are times when the lymphocytes can reject even a healthy tissue transplant, because they consider it to be a foreign element! They are produced in the bone marrow, and can live for weeks, to several years, to an entire lifetime of a person! As mentioned earlier, if the lymphocytes consist of more than 40% of the total white blood cells in the body, then this signifies a high lymphocytes count and the condition is known as Lymphocytosis. On the other hand, if there are decreased lymphocytes in the blood, the condition is known as Lymphocytopenia. As this article focuses on high lymphocytes in the blood, let us know about the causes for the same. Have a look!
Chickenpox Flu Whooping cough Rubella (viral infection) Tuberculosis Mumps Brucellosis (infection from animals) Herpes simplex (virus infection causing symptoms similar to cold and flu) Medications Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) Mononucleosis Toxoplasmosis (infection of animals, birds, and reptiles; that can also occur in humans.) Hepatitis Cytomegalovirus (viral infection in the stomach and/or eyes) Blood transfusion Crohn's disease Ulcerative colitis (Inflammatory bowel disease) Autoimmune disorder Vasculitis (inflammation of blood cells) Multiple myeloma (plasma cell cancer) Other viral, bacterial, or similar infections
The normal range of lymphocytes in the blood is usually 1200-3200 per milliliter. However, different values are standardized in different laboratories. Therefore,once you have the test results in your hand, you must consult with your doctor and find out what it means.