title: Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio as a screening tool for influenza.
abstract: In fall 2009 the emergency department of a clinic in Greece with increased patient visits due to influenza-like illness observed a particular pattern in the complete blood count (CBC) of these patients. In 90% of all patients with probable influenza, lymphopenia and/or monocytosis were present. Relative lymphopenia with or without monocytosis appears to be a laboratory marker for H1N1 virus infection, a finding that could play a major role in early identifying and treating patients with new influenza A. A ratio of lymphocytes to monocytes below 2 is proposed as a screening tool for influenza infection instead of rapid tests.
authors.affiliation: University of Patras, Public health department; University of patras, Public health department; ED Olympion Hospital; University of Patras and Department of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Patras.
authors.forename: George
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Merekoulias
authors.forename: Evangelos C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Alexopoulos
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Belezos
authors.forename: Eugenia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Panagiotopoulou
authors.forename: Dr Med Eleni
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Jelastopulu
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