What is the predominant white blood cell type found in patients with Pertussis?

In patients with Pertussis, or whooping cough, lymphocytes are the predominant type of white blood cell that is typically observed. Pertussis is caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis, which triggers a lymphocytic response. This is characterized by an increase in the number of lymphocytes, particularly in the peripheral blood, as the body attempts to combat the infection. The lymphocytic response is an important indicator of the disease and reflects the immune system's attempt to fight against the Bordetella pertussis infection.

In contrast, neutrophils are usually associated with bacterial infections and would typically be elevated in conditions involving acute inflammation or more typical bacterial infections, making them less relevant in the context of Pertussis. Basophils and eosinophils are more involved in allergic responses and parasitic infections, respectively, and are not the predominant cell types seen in Pertussis cases. Thus, the consistent elevation of lymphocytes in this infection accurately identifies them as the primary white blood cell type in patients with Pertussis.