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

Abstract

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. 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. Analysis of the obtained data revealed that increased symptoms, higher monocyte counts, and an Absolute Monocyte Count (AMC) exceeding 800 cells/mm³ were indicative of a higher likelihood of H1N1 positivity. 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.