Which statement is most consistent with an active viral infection based on neutrophil counts?

Which statement is most consistent with an active viral infection based on neutrophil counts?

• A. Elevated neutrophils
• B. Depressed neutrophils
• C. Normal neutrophils with fever
• D. Neutrophil counts are not informative

Answer: (B)

Neutrophil responses differ between types of infections. When bacteria invade, the body ramps up neutrophil production and release, leading to higher neutrophil counts. Viruses, on the other hand, often drive a stronger lymphocyte response, and neutrophil numbers can drop or stay low during active viral infection. This pattern—depressed neutrophils—fits viral activity better than elevated neutrophils, which would point toward a bacterial process. Fever can accompany both, but the neutrophil count pattern is the clue here.

Neutrophil responses differ between types of infections. When bacteria invade, the body ramps up neutrophil production and release, leading to higher neutrophil counts. Viruses, on the other hand, often drive a stronger lymphocyte response, and neutrophil numbers can drop or stay low during active viral infection. This pattern—depressed neutrophils—fits viral activity better than elevated neutrophils, which would point toward a bacterial process. Fever can accompany both, but the neutrophil count pattern is the clue here.