Leukocyte count in diarrheal disease

In 419 patients with diarrheal disease admitted to the National Childrens Hospital between September 1982 and August 1983, the initial leukocyte response was correlated with the result of the stool culture. The total leukocyte count, absolute lymphocyte count, absolute band count and the ratio between the absolute bad count and the total neutrophil count (B/N ratio) were not to help in establishing a bacterial cause for the diarrhea. However, an absolute neutrophil count of more than 6.00 x 103/cu.mm. and a ratio between the absolute neutrophil count and absolute lymphocyte count (N/L ratio) of greater than 1.00 differentiates E. Coli, Pseudomonas, and Mixed Isolates infections from Samonella and "Nonbacterial" diarrheal disease. (Auth)