The following laboratory values are relevant | Blood values in case of mononucleosis (EBV)

The following laboratory values are relevant

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are a large group of different cells that are involved in the defence against pathogens such as bacteria or viruses. One of these groups is particularly noticeable in Whistling Pancreatic Fever, namely the lymphocytes. They show a significant increase in the number of cells and, in addition, a very different appearance from their original appearance.

They are more similar to monocytes, which are a different type of white blood cells. In an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, the majority of lymphocytes present with a greatly enlarged cell body and also cell nucleus. In this context, we also speak of whistling cells.

Monocytes belong to the large group of white blood cells (leukocytes) and, as an important component of the immune system, help to fight foreign material or pathogens. The term monocyte is often used in connection with mononucleosis because the altered lymphocytes infected by the virus look very similar to monocytes. Although both cell groups belong to the white blood cells, the lymphocytes are usually much smaller.

When infected with the Epstein-Barr virus, they change their appearance, become larger and the cell nucleus also gains mass. Thus, their appearance is strongly reminiscent of monocytes, which is also reflected in their names. The name mononucleosis refers to the similarity of the virus-infected cells to the monocytes.

CRP is an abbreviation for the term C-reactive protein. It is a protein that is formed during inflammation in the liver. CRP marks viruses and helps the immune cells to find the pathogens that have entered the body.

The viruses are then recognized by the so-called scavenger cells and rendered harmless. The C-reactive protein is not specific for the Pfeiffer’s glandular fever but rather a general inflammatory value, which can be increased in many different infections or diseases of the body. If the infection with the Epstein-Barr virus also affects the liver, this can lead to an enlargement of the liver, a so-called hepatomegaly as well as an inflammation of the liver.

The inflammatory reaction of the liver is called hepatitis and must not be confused with hepatitis caused by a hepatitis virus. The inflammation of the liver leads to changes in certain blood values. These include LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) and transaminases.

Lactate dehydrogenase is an enzyme that plays a role in energy production. Elevated values can occur with an inflammation of the liver, however, LDH is a very unspecific inflammation value because it can also be elevated with many other pathological changes in the body. The transaminases are also enzymes that are involved in metabolic processes.

There are two forms the AST (aspartate aminotransferase) and the ALT (alanine aminotransferase). ALT in particular can be used as a diagnostic indication of an inflammatory event in the liver. These two values are, however, equally unspecific and only indicate an ongoing inflammatory reaction.