Table of Contents
Does mono affect your white blood cell count?
A mono infection typically causes your body to produce more white blood cells as it tries to defend itself. A high white blood cell count can’t confirm an infection with EBV, but the result suggests that it’s a strong possibility.
What is mono in WBC?
Monocytes are a type of white blood cell. They help fight bacteria, viruses, and other infections in your body. Along with other types of white blood cells, monocytes are a key element of your immune response.

What cells are increased in mono?
During acute EBV disease, the number of lymphocytes increases to 50–60% of the total leukocytes in the peripheral blood (a count of 20,000–50,000/ml), of which 10% are atypical lymphocytes (95% are T lymphocytes, 5% are B lymphocytes), or Downey cells.
Does Epstein-Barr virus cause low white blood cell count?
Once the Epstein-Barr virus is acquired (spread from person to person), it takes about four to six weeks for symptoms to appear. Children usually have nonspecific symptoms or no symptoms at all. Rarely, young children may have rashes, pneumonia, or low white blood counts.

Does Epstein Barr cause high WBC?
EBV infection can affect a person’s blood and bone marrow. The virus can cause the body to produce an excessive number of white blood cells called lymphocytes (lymphocytosis). EBV can also weaken the immune system, making it more difficult for the body to fight infection.
How does mono show up in bloodwork?
A lot of doctors will do blood tests to confirm mono, though. If someone has symptoms of mono, the doctor may order a complete blood count to look at the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that shows specific changes when a person has mono. A doctor may also order a blood test called a monospot.
What causes high WBC counts?
A high white blood cell count usually indicates: An increased production of white blood cells to fight an infection. A reaction to a drug that increases white blood cell production. A disease of bone marrow, causing abnormally high production of white blood cells.
Which WBC increase with infectious mononucleosis?
White blood cell count Findings consistent with infectious mononucleosis include a differential that demonstrates greater than 50% lymphocytes, an absolute lymphocyte count greater than 4500, or an elevated lymphocyte count with greater than 10% atypical lymphocytes.
Can mono mimic leukemia?
The disease is usually self limiting in most cases. EBV is also the most common infectious trigger of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis [2, 3]. The presentation of both diseases mimics lymphoreticular malignancies and frequently it can be mistaken for leukemia and lymphomas.
Are neutrophils high with mono?
Some of the symptoms of those with infectious mononucleosis include high levels of white blood cells or lymphocytes, atypical lymphocytes, low levels of neutrophils and platelets, and abnormal functioning of the liver.
Why would my white blood cell count be high?
Can mono turn into lymphoma?
Infectious mononucleosis–related Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection has been associated with an increased risk of Hodgkin’s lymphoma in young adults. Whether the association is causal remains unclear.