How to tell whether it is a viral or bacterial infection through blood routine test

We often need to undergo physical examinations in our daily lives, and routine blood tests are an indispensable part of them. However, due to the large number of patients, it is particularly important to learn some basic medical knowledge, including how to use routine blood tests to determine whether it is a viral infection or a bacterial infection. In fact, this is very simple. You only need to learn to look at the three data: white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, and lymphocyte ratio. Friends in need can learn more about the relevant knowledge.

1. Blood routine test

When a sick child at home goes to the doctor for a check-up, a routine blood test is a must. The traditional methods of “looking, smelling, asking and palpating” also rely on advanced scientific and technological products, otherwise it would take a long time to diagnose hundreds of people.

Routine blood test is the most common and basic blood test. Blood is composed of two major parts: liquid and visible cells. Routine blood tests examine the cellular part of blood. Blood has three types of cells with different functions: red blood cells (commonly known as red blood cells), white blood cells (commonly known as white blood cells), and platelets. Determine the disease by observing changes in quantity and morphological distribution. It is one of the commonly used auxiliary examination methods for doctors to diagnose diseases.

2. "Bacterial infection or viral infection?" The first judgment comes from white blood cells?

Why do we need to determine whether it is a bacterial infection or a viral infection? Because different infections require different treatment plans. But to determine which infection is causing the disease, we need to look at three main indicators: white blood cell count, neutrophil ratio, and lymphocyte ratio.

The relationship and mission among the three:

The mission of white blood cells is to engulf pathogens and defend against diseases.

Neutrophils are born scouts, and they can sense when bacteria invade the body.

Lymphocytes directly kill infected cells and then work with other members to clear exposed viruses.

3. Does high white blood cell count mean bacterial infection?

If the white blood cell count is higher than normal, it means that the body is inflamed. If the neutrophil ratio is elevated, it is mostly a bacterial infection. To be cautious, if the white blood cell count is too high: stress, trauma, leukocytosis, etc. will cause the white blood cell count to increase to varying degrees. Combined with other inflammations, such as PVR, neutrophils, etc., all increase, bacterial infection can be considered.

Of course, bacterial infections are divided into chlamydia and mycoplasma. This term is too professional, complex and profound, and it is not something that people like me can explain clearly. It is better to leave it to the doctor to avoid misleading others and harming yourself, haha.

4. Is low white blood cell count a sign of viral infection?

The white blood cell count is lower than normal and the lymphocyte ratio is elevated, which is mostly due to viral infection. There are also some situations that can cause low white blood cell counts, such as patients with hepatitis B and hypersplenism, patients with bone marrow suppression, patients taking anti-HIV drugs, chemotherapy patients, and those with low immunity, but these phenomena will not occur in our children and can be ignored. Excluding these factors, it can basically be determined as a viral infection.