Leukocytes.
Leukocytes are white blood cells that play an important role in the body’s immune defense. Their presence in the microscopic stool sediment indicates inflammatory processes in the intestine.
- Normally, leukocytes are absent or present in very small amounts in the stool.
- An increased number of leukocytes usually indicates inflammation or infection, such as bacterial or parasitic intestinal diseases.
- Elevated leukocyte counts can be observed in colitis, enteritis, and other inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis).
- The detection of leukocytes together with blood or mucus increases suspicion of serious pathological processes that require further diagnosis and treatment.
Determining the quantity and characteristics of leukocytes in the stool helps the doctor assess the degree of inflammation and choose the optimal therapy.