T-cell lymphocytopenia: An omnipresent predictor of morbidity and mortality in consequence of SARS-CoV disease and influenza A infections

Abstract

Purpose of the research: We proposed T-cell lymphocytopenia as a strategic predictor of serious coronavirus and influenza infections. Our preeminent goal was to determine whether a degree of T-cell lymphopenia would identify a distinct threshold cell count to differentiate between severe and non-severe infections. We codified an Index Severity Score to exploit an association between T-cell cytopenia and the grade of disease activity.

Principal result: A T-cell count of 560 cells/uL or below signified a trend towards advanced disease.

Keywords: Index Severity Score of infection; Influenza virus; SARS-CoV disease; T-cell apoptosis and sequestration; T-cell differential counts; T-cell lymphocytopenia.