Question
An 8-year-old boy became ill in April 2012. Initially, he experienced abdominal pain, and later red spots appeared on both legs.
Answer
Abnormal white blood cells caused by certain infections, such as infectious mononucleosis, may appear in the blood count with atypical lymphocytes, but their morphology is different from that of primitive cells. The titer of heterophile antibodies in the serum gradually increases, with a short course that can be self-healing. During infections like pertussis, infectious lymphocytosis, and rubella, the blood count shows an increase in lymphocytes, but the lymphocyte morphology is normal. The course is benign, and most cases can be self-healing.