What happens to the number of "segs" during a bacterial infection?

During a bacterial infection, the body responds by mobilizing its immune system to help fight off the invading pathogens. One of the primary responses is an increase in the production of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which are also known as "segments" or "segs" due to their segmented nuclei.

When a bacterial infection occurs, the bone marrow is stimulated to produce and release more neutrophils into the bloodstream. This results in an elevated count of segmental neutrophils, often reflected in laboratory tests that measure white blood cell counts. Therefore, during a bacterial infection, the count of segs typically increases as the body attempts to mount an inflammatory response and eliminate the infection.

Infections can lead to various responses in the immune system, but an increase in segs is a classical indicator of bacterial infection. Other types of immune responses, such as viral infections, may demonstrate different patterns in white blood cell counts. Understanding these changes helps healthcare professionals interpret lab results and diagnose conditions effectively.