Leukocytes, more commonly called white blood cells, are a heterogeneous group of cells, responsible for the defense of the organism from attacks by hostile microorganisms (viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites) and from foreign bodies that penetrate inside. Consequently, the presence of leukocytes in the urine may be due to inflammatory processes of various kinds.
Among all the white blood cells, most of the leukocytes present in the urine belong to the category of neutrophils, easily identifiable under the microscope due to the rounded shape and the lobulated aspect of the nucleus; moreover, they are larger than any erythrocytes present in the urine.
in charge of the body's immune defenses.
These "elements" are rarely present in our urine (as a rule, their concentration is quite negligible, being less than 5-10 units per milliliter of urine). If everything works correctly, the kidneys do not allow the passage of leukocytes in the urine, except in small quantities.
However, following infection or inflammation of one of the organs of the urinary tract, the number of leukocytes excreted in the urine can increase considerably.
The simple identification of the presence of white blood cells in the urine does not uniquely characterize a specific problem. For this, it is essential to undergo a thorough examination and resort to specific therapies indicated by the doctor.
