Which infection would likely show elevated white blood cell counts in laboratory results?

An acute bacterial infection typically results in an elevation of white blood cell counts, a condition known as leukocytosis. This increase occurs as the body’s immune response activates to fight off the infection. When bacteria invade the body, the immune system recognizes them as foreign invaders and mobilizes white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, which are critical in responding to such infections.

In the context of laboratory results, an elevated white blood cell count can serve as a key indicator of the presence of an acute infection. In contrast, conditions such as diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can also affect white blood cell counts but do not necessarily lead to this specific elevation indicative of an acute infection. Hypothyroidism generally does not lead to elevated white blood cell counts either, as it is more commonly associated with metabolic imbalances rather than an acute immune response. Thus, recognizing the link between elevated white blood cell counts and acute bacterial infections is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment.