Overview and Clinical Significance
Peripheral blood leukocytes, commonly known as white blood cells (WBCs), are essential components of the immune system, responsible for infection defense, inflammation regulation, and immune surveillance. They circulate in the bloodstream, responding to pathogens, injuries, and abnormal cells.
Clinical Significance
- Immune Defense & Infection Control: Leukocytes help fight bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections.
- Inflammatory & Autoimmune Disorders: Abnormal leukocyte levels may indicate autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, or hematologic disorders.
- Cancer & Hematologic Conditions: Leukocyte abnormalities are linked to leukemia, lymphoma, and bone marrow dysfunction.
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications: Leukocyte counts are assessed in complete blood count (CBC) tests, aiding in infection diagnosis, immune function evaluation, and disease monitoring.
Peripheral blood leukocytes are key regulators of immune health, influencing infection resistance, inflammation control, and hematologic stability.
