Which of the following is NOT typically indicated by an increase in band cells?

An increase in band cells, which are immature white blood cells, is typically indicative of the body's response to various conditions, especially those involving infection. When there is an acute bacterial infection, the bone marrow releases more white blood cells, including band cells, into the bloodstream to combat the pathogens. In severe infections, this response is typically heightened, often resulting in even greater numbers of band cells as the body attempts to manage the infection.

In the context of a chronic illness, however, the increase in band cells is not commonly observed. Chronic illnesses often involve more complex responses of the immune system and might lead to a different balance of white blood cells rather than a straightforward increase in bands. Conditions of chronic inflammation or ongoing diseases could elevate other types of white blood cells or lead to a more stable and less reactive state of the immune system overall, resulting in the absence of a significant increase in band cells as seen in acute conditions. Thus, a chronic illness would not typically correlate with an elevated band cell count, making it the correct answer in this scenario.