Why would I have atypical lymphocytes?

A large number of atypical lymphocytes are often found in viral infections like mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus infections and hepatitis B. Toxoplasmosis, certain bacterial infections, medications, stress and autoimmune diseases can also be accompanied by a larger number of atypical lymphocytes.

What does atypical lymphocytes present mean?

Atypical lymphocytes, or “variant” lymphocytes as they are currently referred to, are defined as non-malignant lymphocytes that are in response to non-specific hematopoietic stress as seen with various conditions/disorders.

Can Covid cause atypical lymphocytes?

These atypical lymphocytes are likely reactive to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection. Their morphology is different from Downey type II reactive lymphocytes Fig 1F that are commonly seen in other viral infections such as Epstein–Barr virus.

How do you identify atypical lymphocytes?

Atypical lymphocytes are identified by their increased size, high metabolic activity, and the presence of additional DNA amount. Furthermore, in atypical lymphocytes, N:C ratio usually decreased, compared to normal lymphocytes.

What is the difference between atypical and reactive lymphocytes?

Reactive, or atypical, lymphocytes are relatively fragile cells, and as a result can be squeezed out of shape by surrounding cells, giving them a scalloped appearance instead of a smooth cytoplasmic edge. The nucleus of the reactive lymphocyte is larger than that of the small lymphocyte, and is more irregular in shape.

Should I be worried about atypical lymphocytes?

On occasion you may see a report from a Pap test or tissue biopsy stating “atypical cells present.” This might cause you to worry that this means cancer, but atypical cells aren’t necessarily cancerous. Many factors can make normal cells appear atypical, including inflammation and infection.

What does elevated atypical lymphocytes mean?

High lymphocyte blood levels indicate your body is dealing with an infection or other inflammatory condition. Most often, a temporarily high lymphocyte count is a normal effect of your body’s immune system working. Sometimes, lymphocyte levels are elevated because of a serious condition, like leukemia.

What are the atypical lymphocytes in infectious mononucleosis?

These atypical lymphocytes (ie, Downey cells) actually are CD8 cytotoxic T cells. B-cell infection caused by EBV leads to the transformation of the B cells to immortal plasmacytoid cells, which secrete a wide variety of immunoglobulins (eg, heterophile antibodies).

Are reactive and atypical lymphocytes the same thing?

Large lymphocytes have abundant pale blue transparent cytoplasm. Reactive, or atypical, lymphocytes are relatively fragile cells, and as a result can be squeezed out of shape by surrounding cells, giving them a scalloped appearance instead of a smooth cytoplasmic edge.

What will happen if lymphocytes count is high?