Reactive lymphocytes in infectious mononucleosis represent:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Reactive lymphocytes in infectious mononucleosis are mainly T lymphocytes responding to the Epstein Barr virus (EBV) infection. These activated T cells can be seen as atypical lymphocytes in peripheral blood smears and play a critical role in controlling the viral infection. While EBV can also infect and transform B lymphocytes, these cells are not typically seen as reactive lymphocytes in infectious mononucleosis. NK cells and plasma cells may also play a role in the immune response to EBV, but they are not the main cellular component of reactive lymphocytes in this disease.

Reactive Lymphocytes in Infectious Mononucleosis Represent