18 Hidden Causes of High Neutrophil Counts That Doctors Want You to Know

3. Infections

Certain infections, such as those resulting from streptococci, pneumococci, and Escherichia coli bacteria, are known to trigger neutrophilia. Fungal infections known to cause it stem from the fungi known as Candida albicans and coccidiosis immitis. Viral infections that cause this condition include rabies, herpes zoster, varicella, poliomyelitis, and smallpox. Parasites can also cause this condition, but typically less often than viruses and bacteria. An individual who has an abscess, appendicitis, meningitis, and tonsillitis can also experience neutrophilia due to their infection. Since neutrophils are the first white blood cells in the immune system to reach the site of cellular damage, they can be overproduced in patients when their infection induces such a reactive process in the body. A mild elevation in these blood cells during acute infection is beneficial. However, anything greater can cause the blood to become too thick and produce serious complications.

4. Removal Of The Spleen

An individual who has undergone removal of their spleen may develop neutrophilia as a complication. The spleen and liver can produce certain blood cells when the bone marrow is not making enough. At the same time, the spleen is a key component in the process of neutrophil removal and destruction of dead and dying neutrophils from the body. There are only three tissues in the body that can perform neutrophil clearance. They are the spleen, liver, and bone marrow. All three of these contribute to the clearance process equally in most healthy individuals. However, some individuals have had to have their spleen removed due to several conditions and diseases. Without the spleen, the liver and bone marrow are left to perform the job of clearing out neutrophils marked for apoptosis and destruction. The removal of the spleen requires at least a minimally invasive procedure that results in post-operation inflammation. This process causes an increase in the production of neutrophils, with only two-thirds of the healthy neutrophil clearance functionality left. Neutrophilia is often the result of this mechanism.