Sage-Tips

Can you have an infection without a high white blood cell count?

The fact that leukocytosis is associated with infection does not mean that the white blood cell count is a good test for infection, because many patients with infection have no leukocytosis, and many patients with leukocytosis have no infection.

Can you fight infection with low white blood cell count?

A blood test that shows a WBC count of less than 4,000 per microliter (some labs say less than 4,500) could mean your body may not be able to fight infection the way it should. A low number is sometimes called leukopenia.

Can you have an infection with normal blood work?

If one of your blood culture tests comes back positive and the other comes back negative, it still could mean you have an infection. But it could also mean that one of the blood samples was contaminated with bacteria from your skin. Your doctor might order more tests or need more information before making a diagnosis.

Can you have pneumonia without elevated WBC?

Case in point: It’s typical for patients with pneumonia to have an elevated white blood cell count, but up to 50 percent of people over 65 with pneumonia have a normal white count. They may also have minimal chest sounds, and 20 percent don’t present with fever, Dr.

Can a tooth infection raise your white blood cell count?

Inflammation – Periodontal disease causes severe inflammation in the gum tissue which elevates the white blood cell count and also the high sensitivity C-reactive protein levels.

Can you have cellulitis without an elevated WBC?

Conclusions: We found that 20-36\% of cellulitis diagnoses made by admitting physicians were non-infectious skin conditions. Lack of elevated WBC and lack of tactile warmth were independently associated with a misdiagnosis of cellulitis.

Can a bacterial infection cause low white blood cells?

An increase in one type of white blood cell can cause a decrease in other types of white blood cells. For example, if you have a bacterial infection, you will have an increase of neutrophils and a decrease in lymphocytes.

What kind of infections cause low white blood cell count?

What causes a low white blood cell count?

• Cancer (caused by chemotherapy treatments)
• Bone marrow disorders or damage.
• Autoimmune disorders (problems with the immune system in which the body attacks itself), such as lupus.
• Infections (including tuberculosis and HIV)
• Immune system conditions.
• Crohn’s disease.
• Malnutrition.