Lymphocytosis is a condition where the number of lymphocytes in the blood becomes more than the normal range. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that are responsible for fighting infections in our bodies. They are an important part of our immune system.

In this article, we will discuss some possible reasons for lymphocytosis with the help of pictures.

1. Viral Infections

One of the common reasons for lymphocytosis is viral infections. When our body is infected with a virus, our immune system produces more lymphocytes to fight the infection. Some of the viral infections that can cause lymphocytosis are:.

• HIV/AIDS
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Cytomegalovirus
• Epstein-Barr virus
• Influenza

In the picture below, you can see an enlarged lymph node due to viral infection:.

2. Bacterial Infections

Bacterial infections can also lead to lymphocytosis. Some of the bacterial infections that can cause lymphocytosis are:.

• Tuberculosis
• Lyme disease
• Brucellosis
• Streptococcus infection
• Mycobacterium infection

The picture below shows an enlarged lymph node due to a bacterial infection:.

3. Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are conditions where our immune system attacks our own body. Some autoimmune diseases can cause lymphocytosis. Some of the autoimmune diseases that can cause lymphocytosis are:.

• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sjogren’s syndrome
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Multiple sclerosis

The picture below shows a microscopic view of lymphocytes in an autoimmune disease:.

Related Article 7 Common Causes of Lymphocytosis: Illustrated

4. Leukemia

Leukemia is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow. In leukemia, there is an overproduction of abnormal white blood cells including lymphocytes. This can lead to lymphocytosis. The picture below shows blood cells in leukemia:.

5. Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. In lymphoma, there is an abnormal growth of lymphocytes, which can lead to lymphocytosis. The picture below shows a lymphoma cell under a microscope:.

6. Medications

Some medications can cause lymphocytosis as a side effect. Some of the medications that can cause lymphocytosis are:.

• Corticosteroids
• Anticonvulsants
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Immunomodulatory agents

The picture below shows a medication bottle that can cause lymphocytosis as a side effect:.

7. Stress

Stress can also cause lymphocytosis. When we are stressed, our body produces more lymphocytes to fight the stress. This can lead to temporary lymphocytosis. The picture below shows a stressed person:.

If you have lymphocytosis, it is important to find the underlying cause of it. Your doctor may order blood tests, imaging tests, or a biopsy to determine the cause of lymphocytosis and to develop a treatment plan.

Conclusion

Lymphocytosis is a condition where the number of lymphocytes in the blood becomes more than the normal range. Some possible reasons for lymphocytosis are viral or bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, leukemia, lymphoma, medications, and stress.

If you are experiencing lymphocytosis, it is important to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and to develop a treatment plan.