Evaluation of NK and TNK Cells in Peripheral Blood of Adult Patients with Benign Lymphocytosis

Introduction: Benign lymphocytosis is one of the most common causes of leucocytosis, there is a heterogenous group of diseases could cause benign lymphocytosis. The spectrum of lymphocytes vary among these diseases. The immune response will include innate immune activation as well as adaptive immune stimulation, however there is no definite specification for different disease category. Aim of the study: To assess the frequency of Natural Killer [NK] and t natural Killer cells [TNK], as well as immune response responsible for benign lymphocytosis. Also asses their relation to each other in cases of benign lymphocytosis. Subject and Methods: Seventy four cases showing reactive lymphocytosis were investigated using flowcytometry technique for determination of percentage of NK and TNK cells, in parallel with 74 apparently healthy controls. Results: A highly significant increase in NK and TNK were found in cases with lymphocytosis compared to control group with p value < 0.001. Also a significant negative correlation were found between NK cells percentage and lymphocytes count with P value < 0.05. Conclusion: The levels of NK and TNK cells percentage are increased in cases of benign lymphocytosis in relation to normal controls which is an indicator of early immune response.