Reactive lymphocyte: Difference between revisions
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== Reactive Lymphocyte == | |||
[[File:Reactive_lymphocyte_closeup.JPG|thumb|right|Close-up of a reactive lymphocyte.]] | |||
[[ | A '''reactive lymphocyte''' is a type of [[lymphocyte]] that has been activated in response to an antigen. These cells are typically larger than normal lymphocytes and exhibit a variety of morphological changes. Reactive lymphocytes are often seen in the context of [[viral infection]]s, such as [[infectious mononucleosis]], and other immune responses. | ||
== Morphology == | |||
Reactive lymphocytes are characterized by their increased size, often measuring 12-30 micrometers in diameter. They have abundant cytoplasm, which can appear basophilic and may contain vacuoles. The nucleus of a reactive lymphocyte is often irregularly shaped, with a coarse chromatin pattern. The nucleoli may be prominent, and the nuclear membrane can be indented or folded. | |||
== Causes == | == Causes == | ||
Reactive lymphocytes are typically seen in response to | Reactive lymphocytes are typically seen in response to: | ||
* [[Viral infections]] such as [[Epstein-Barr virus]] (EBV), [[cytomegalovirus]] (CMV), and [[HIV]]. | |||
* [[Bacterial infections]] like [[tuberculosis]] and [[brucellosis]]. | |||
* [[Autoimmune disorders]] such as [[systemic lupus erythematosus]] (SLE). | |||
* [[Drug reactions]] and [[allergic reactions]]. | |||
== Clinical Significance == | |||
The presence of reactive lymphocytes in a [[blood smear]] can be an important diagnostic clue. In the context of infectious mononucleosis, for example, the presence of atypical lymphocytes is a hallmark finding. Reactive lymphocytes can also be seen in other conditions, and their presence should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests. | |||
== Related Pages == | |||
== | |||
* [[Lymphocyte]] | * [[Lymphocyte]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Infectious mononucleosis]] | ||
* [[Epstein-Barr virus]] | |||
* [[Cytomegalovirus]] | |||
* [[Immune system]] | * [[Immune system]] | ||
[[Category:Hematology]] | [[Category:Hematology]] | ||
[[Category:Immune system]] | |||
Latest revision as of 23:02, 21 February 2025
Reactive Lymphocyte[edit]
A reactive lymphocyte is a type of lymphocyte that has been activated in response to an antigen. These cells are typically larger than normal lymphocytes and exhibit a variety of morphological changes. Reactive lymphocytes are often seen in the context of viral infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, and other immune responses.
Morphology[edit]
Reactive lymphocytes are characterized by their increased size, often measuring 12-30 micrometers in diameter. They have abundant cytoplasm, which can appear basophilic and may contain vacuoles. The nucleus of a reactive lymphocyte is often irregularly shaped, with a coarse chromatin pattern. The nucleoli may be prominent, and the nuclear membrane can be indented or folded.
Causes[edit]
Reactive lymphocytes are typically seen in response to:
- Viral infections such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and HIV.
- Bacterial infections like tuberculosis and brucellosis.
- Autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- Drug reactions and allergic reactions.
Clinical Significance[edit]
The presence of reactive lymphocytes in a blood smear can be an important diagnostic clue. In the context of infectious mononucleosis, for example, the presence of atypical lymphocytes is a hallmark finding. Reactive lymphocytes can also be seen in other conditions, and their presence should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests.
