Pathology · patient case question
Which peripheral blood change is most characteristic of an ACUTE dentoalveolar abscess in an otherwise healthy patient?
Patient case: Patient with leukaemia presenting with oral infection
Patient: Adult with a recent diagnosis of leukaemia
Chief complaint: Recurrent mouth infections and sore gums.
Background: Undergoing haematological workup. No radiotherapy to the head and neck.
Current findings: Generalised gingival inflammation and a poorly localised soft tissue infection.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. Leukocytosis with neutrophil predominance
- A. CORRECT. A pyogenic bacterial infection drives neutrophils out of the marrow, producing LEUKOCYTOSIS, typically 12,000–20,000/mm³ with a left shift. The neutrophils constitute the pus itself.
- B. Neutropenia predisposes TO severe infection rather than resulting from one.
- C. Lymphocytosis is the pattern of viral and certain chronic infections.
- D. Leukopenia signals marrow failure or overwhelming sepsis — an ominous finding requiring urgent medical referral.