Uncovering the diagnostic value of white blood cell profiles in H1N1 screening

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Original Article

Author Details : Preethiraj Ballal*, Abha Pandey Mahashur, Shruthi Rai P , Prahlad P Prabhudesai

Volume : 8, Issue : 4, Year : 2023

Article Page : 140-144

https://doi.org/10.18231/j.ijirm.2023.028

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Abstract

Background: This research sought to evaluate the effectiveness of White Blood Cell (WBC) profiles as a screening method for promptly identifying H1N1 infection in individuals exhibiting symptoms of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) and undergoing throat swab testing for H1N1 through the RT-PCR technique.
Materials and Methods: Seventy patients from a tertiary care hospital were included based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Throat swab tests were conducted using RT-PCR, resulting in 35 positive and 35 negative cases for influenza A H1N1. Complete Blood Count (CBC) profiles, including total WBC counts, differential count, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, lymphocyte to monocyte ratios, and absolute monocyte count (AMC), were obtained for all subjects.
Results: Analysis of the obtained data revealed that increased symptoms, higher monocyte counts, and an Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC) exceeding 800 cells/mm?3; were indicative of a higher likelihood of H1N1 positivity.
Conclusion: The study suggests that utilizing WBC profiles, particularly the neutrophil to lymphocyte ratios, lymphocyte to monocyte ratios, and AMC, can serve as a valuable screening measure for the early detection of H1N1 infection. This approach may be especially beneficial in peripheral healthcare settings where the standard RT-PCR diagnostic method is time-consuming, enabling timely and appropriate intervention based on CBC results.

Keywords: H1N1, White blood cell, Monocytes, RT PCR, Influenza, Monocytosis

How to cite : Ballal P, Mahashur A P, Shruthi Rai P, Prabhudesai P P, Uncovering the diagnostic value of white blood cell profiles in H1N1 screening. IP Indian J Immunol Respir Med 2023;8(4):140-144

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