What is a common cause of neutrophilia?

Neutrophilia, which refers to an increased number of neutrophils in the blood, is commonly associated with bacterial infections. When the body encounters a bacterial pathogen, the immune system responds by producing and releasing more neutrophils from the bone marrow into the bloodstream. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in combating bacterial infections. Their primary function is to phagocytose (engulf and digest) bacteria and facilitate inflammation to help control and eliminate the infection.

In contrast, viral infections typically prompt an increase in lymphocytes rather than neutrophils, while parasitic infections may lead to increased eosinophils. Allergic reactions usually cause an elevation in eosinophils as well, rather than neutrophils. Therefore, the response of the body to bacterial infections highlights why neutrophilia is most commonly linked to this particular type of infection.