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Each type of leukocyte has a different but vital role in maintaining the body's immunity. These various types of leukocytes can work as they should if their numbers are within the normal range. 

Leukocyte levels or white blood cells in the blood is not high, namely only about 1% of the total blood. However, the role of leukocytes in the immune system is very important because these blood cells function to protect the body from infection and disease.

Normal leukocyte levels for adults generally range from 4,000–11,000 per microliter of blood. Leukocytes are composed of various types of leukocytes with different functions in increasing the body's immunity.  

Getting to Know the Different Types of Leukocytes

The following are some of the types of leukocytes that exist in the blood and its functions:

1. Neutrophils

This is the most abundant type of leukocyte in the body, accounting for 50–80% of the total white blood cells. Neutrophils are the front line in fighting infection because they are the first white blood cells to fight and kill germs that enter the body. 

Neutrophils also function to stimulate other types of leukocytes to work more optimal in fighting infection and disease. Normal adult neutrophil levels are around 2,500–7,000 per microliter of blood. 

If the levels are more than this amount, you may be experiencing neutrophilia. This condition generally occurs due to infection or inflammation in the body.

Apart from that, physical and mental stress, broken bones, rheumatoid arthritis, smoking habits, or strenuous exercise can also cause neutrophil levels to increase. Several diseases can also cause high neutrophil levels, such as blood cancer, essential thrombocytosis (ET), and polycythemia vera. -weight: 400;">.

Meanwhile, low neutrophil levels can be caused by:

• Infections, such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, sepsis, and Lyme disease span>
• Deficiency of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12, folate, and copper
• Autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn's, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis
• Effects of chemotherapy 
• Bone marrow disorders or leukemia

2. Eosinophils

Eosinophils are the most common type of leukocyte in the digestive tract and plays an important role in fighting bacteria and parasites, such as worm infections. These white blood cells work by releasing toxic chemicals and proteins so that bacteria or parasites die and do not trigger disease. 

Apart from that, eosinophils also help control the immune response to allergies. In the blood, the normal number of eosinophils is 30–350 microliters or around 5% of the total leukocyte count.

The number of eosinophils can be less than This is due to acute bacterial infections, excessive alcohol consumption, the effects of using steroid drugs, or excess cortisol hormone. 400;"> in the body. Eosinophils that are at low levels are known as eosinopenia.

Meanwhile, eosinophil levels above normal are referred to as eosinophilia. Some conditions that cause eosinophilia are:

• Allergic reactions
• Worm infections
• Asthma 
• Atopic dermatitis or eczema
• Autoimmune disorders
• Certain cancers, such as leukemia, Hodgkin's lymphoma
• Certain drug reactions
• Esophagitis
• Inflammatory bowel disease 

3. Basophils

This is the type of leukocyte that is the least numerous, but its role is no less important in the immune system. The reason is that basophils will help release histamine to protect the body from allergy triggers. namely substances that cause allergic reactions.

One ​​type of leukocyte produced in the spinal cord also functions to protect the body from bacteria, viruses, roundworms, or other parasites that infect the digestive tract, as well as poisons that come from animal bites. Basophils are also able to release the enzyme heparin, an enzyme that prevents blood clotting in areas of the body affected by infection. 

At normal levels, the number of basophils is in the range of 0–300 per microliter of blood or the equivalent of 0.5–1% of total white blood cell count.

A basophil count that exceeds this number may be caused by chicken pox, allergic reactions, spinal cord disease, hyperthyroidism, or chronic myelogenous leukemia. Meanwhile, a basophil count that is less than this number could be due to serious injury, acute infection, thyrotoxicosis, or cancer.  

4. Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are a type of leukocyte found in the blood and lymphatic system, such as the tonsils, thymus gland, spleen and lymph nodes . Lymphocytes are divided into 3 types with different functions, namely: 

• T cells, function to regulate all types of leukocytes to fight viruses and bacteria that enter the body, kill cells that have been infected, and prevent cells White blood kills normal cells when an infection occurs
• B cells function to form antibodies to fight pathogens or microorganisms that cause infections in the body. body, especially those that have been infected before
• Natural killer cells, cells whose function is to destroy body cells that are infected, or mutated into cancer cells.

Normally, the number of adult lymphocytes is 1,000–4,800 per microliter of blood or around 20–40% of total leukocytes. A white blood cell count below this number could indicate that you are experiencing poor nutrition or consuming excessive alcohol. 

A number of diseases can also cause lymphocyte levels to be below normal limits, for example aplastic anemia, Hodgkin's disease, HIV, tuberculosis, pneumonia, or autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. Low levels of lymphocytes in the blood are known as lymphopenia. 

Meanwhile, high levels of lymphocytes (lymphocytosis) can be caused by hepatitis, mononucleosis, tuberculosis, whooping cough, leukemia, lymphoma, or multiple myeloma.  

5. Monocytes

This is a type of leukocyte whose function is to destroy or kill viruses, bacteria and fungi that enter the body. Monocytes also function to remove infected cells and help the body's healing process from infection.

Under normal conditions, monocytes number 200–800 per microliter of blood or around 2–8% of total leukocytes. However, the number of monocytes can exceed this limit due to bacterial, fungal or viral infections.

This condition, also known as monocytosis, can also be caused by stress that is not well managed, heart disease, impaired blood cell production, and cancer.

Meanwhile, monocyte levels can also be below the normal threshold and is referred to as monocytopenia. Monocytopenia usually occurs due to blood infections, chemotherapy, burns, aplastic anemia, and HIV disease. 

Each type of leukocyte has a different function, but has the same goal, namely maintaining the body's immunity so that you are not easily attacked by disease. 

Leukocyte levels can be determined by undergoing a blood test. To keep leukocyte levels within normal limits and each type of leukocyte functioning properly, you must maintain personal hygiene and health to prevent infection.

Apart from that, you are also advised to eat healthy food, exercise regularly, manage stress, stop smoking, and avoid excessive consumption of alcoholic drinks so that your health is better maintained. 

If you still have questions about the types of leukocytes and their functions,  you can consult easily without face to face via Chat with a Doctor.

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