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(Created page with "== Introduction == This chapter involves mostly disorders of white blood cells. Their number can either be elevated (leukocytosis) or decreased (leukopenia). Leukocytosis itself is nonspecific as it can be a reactive reaction to a primary, often microbial disease, or it can be due to a neoplasm of white blood cells. Reactive leukocytosis is the increase in white blood cells which is seen in a variety of disorders caused by microbial and nonmicrobial causes. Which specif...") |
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The atypical CD8+ cells are large, have abundant cytoplasm and a large nucleus. These cells infiltrate the lymph nodes and spleen, leading to their enlargement. The splenomegaly that occurs in mono is causes the spleen to be especially fragile and prone to rupture after even minor trauma. | The atypical CD8+ cells are large, have abundant cytoplasm and a large nucleus. These cells infiltrate the lymph nodes and spleen, leading to their enlargement. The splenomegaly that occurs in mono is causes the spleen to be especially fragile and prone to rupture after even minor trauma. | ||
[[File:Mononucleosis lymphocyte.png|thumb|Normal lymphocyte on the left, atypical lymphocyte on the right.]] | |||
Normal lymphocyte on the left, atypical lymphocyte on the right. | |||
EBV is a potent carcinogenic virus that plays a role in the pathogenesis of many malignancies, including several types of B-cell lymphomas. The importance of a T-cell immunity in mononucleosis can be illustrated as patients lacking T-cell immunity, whether due to immunosuppression, AIDS or genetic defects, have unimpeded EBV-driven B-cell proliferation. This can be fatal if left untreated. | EBV is a potent carcinogenic virus that plays a role in the pathogenesis of many malignancies, including several types of B-cell lymphomas. The importance of a T-cell immunity in mononucleosis can be illustrated as patients lacking T-cell immunity, whether due to immunosuppression, AIDS or genetic defects, have unimpeded EBV-driven B-cell proliferation. This can be fatal if left untreated. | ||
[[Category:Pathology 2 - Theoretical exam topics]] | [[Category:Pathology 2 - Theoretical exam topics]] |