Introduction
Pfeiffer’s glandular fever, also known as mononucleosis, shows a change in the blood count in addition to the disease-specific symptoms. In addition to certain inflammatory values, the blood count of Pfeiffer’s glandular fever also contains cells that appear to have undergone significant changes. These cells are characteristic of the disease and are often used by doctors to confirm the diagnosis.
Altered blood count in mononucleosis
The so-called white blood cells (lymphocytes) belong to the defence cells of the immune system in the human body. If an infection occurs, the number of white blood cells increases. Since Pfeiffer’s glandular fever is a viral infection, this also happens here.
A particularly high increase in the number of lymphocyte cells is typical for the disease pattern of mononucleosis. This is also known as lymphocytosis. The lymphocytes are particularly important in this disease.
However, there is not only an increase in the number of lymphocytes but also changes in the appearance of the cells. These changes cannot be seen with the naked eye, however. Under the microscope, they are clearly visible, although these so-called Pfeiffer cells have a particularly large and atypical-looking nucleus and are also generally greatly enlarged.
In addition, the blood count may also show antibodies that are produced by the defence cells against the viruses. Antibodies or immunoglobulins are produced in the context of many diseases. There are three typical antibodies for Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: antibodies against virus capsid antigen (VCA) antibodies against Epstein-Barr-Virus-Nuclear-Antigen (EBNA) antibodies against Early Antigen (EA) Especially certain forms of antibodies against virus capsid antigen in the blood give an indication of a fresh infection.
Furthermore, an infection with Epstein-Barr virus increases the CRP value in the blood. This is a general inflammation value. If the liver is involved, certain liver values called LDH and the so-called transaminases may also be elevated.
However, there is not only an increase in lymphocytes but also changes in the appearance of the cells. These changes cannot be seen with the naked eye. Under the microscope, they are clearly visible.
These so-called Pfeiffer cells have a particularly large and atypical-looking cell nucleus and are also generally greatly enlarged. In addition, the blood count may also show antibodies that are produced by the defence cells against the viruses. Antibodies or immunoglobulins are produced in the context of many diseases.
There are three typical antibodies in Pfeiffer’s glandular fever: Above all, certain forms of antibodies against virus capsid antigen in the blood indicate a fresh infection. Furthermore, an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus increases the CRP value in the blood. This is a general inflammation value. If the liver is involved, certain liver values called LDH and the so-called transaminases may also be elevated. – Antibodies against virus capsid antigen (VCA)
- Antibodies against Epstein-Barr Virus Nuclear Antigen (EBNA)
- Antibodies against Early Antigen (EA)
