Differential Leucocyte Count in Patients with Typhoid Fever at the General Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria

This study examines differential leucocyte count patterns in patients with confirmed typhoid fever at the General Hospital, Lafia, Nasarawa State, North Central Nigeria. Typhoid fever caused by Salmonella typhi produces a characteristic haematological picture that, when recognised, aids clinical diagnosis in resource-limited settings where blood culture facilities may not be readily available. A cross-sectional study enrolled 120 patients with bacteriologically confirmed typhoid fever and 60 healthy controls. Full blood count including automated differential leucocyte count and manual differential on peripheral blood film were performed. Results demonstrated relative and absolute leucopenia in 58 percent of typhoid patients, with an absolute neutropenia observed in 34 percent of cases. Relative lymphocytosis was present in 68 percent. Eosinopenia was observed in 46 percent, a finding previously associated with active typhoid infection. Thrombocytopenia was identified in 41 percent of patients, correlating with fever duration. Anaemia was present in 37 percent, consistent with intestinal blood loss and haemolysis. The study confirms the diagnostic utility of leucopenia with relative lymphocytosis in suspected typhoid fever and recommends that this haematological pattern be incorporated into clinical typhoid screening algorithms at resource-limited facilities in Nasarawa State. Keywords: typhoid fever, leucopenia, differential leucocyte count, Salmonella typhi, Nasarawa State.