High white blood count with staff infection?

Answer 1

I believe the question asks if a high white blood cell count (WBC) is typically observed with a Staphylococcal ("Staph") infection. The answer is usually YES. There are other bacteria that cause illness in theStaphylococcus family but in this context, the inference is often intended about skin infections caused by the bacterium named Staphylococcus aureus. This microbe causes more than one type of skin infection as well as several very different diseases in other parts of the body. It may produce a number of toxins that increase it's intensity and allow it to circumvent the immune system. It may also produce an enzyme that breaks down tissue to allow it to become more invasive. The wide variety of toxic substances produced result in intense reactions by the immune system. In turn, this immune challenge provokes a powerful immune response when various specialized hormones and chemicals are released into the bloodstream. An elevated WBC is one of the observed changes that can be rapidly measured. There are 3 major types of WBCs that are separately enumerated. The pattern about which type elevates the quickest and is present in highest number is a major clue as to the cause of an infection and therefore what initial treatment is needed, especially in cases where an infection may not be directly obvious. There are noted exceptions but it is widely taught, without an elevated WBC, evidence is lacking to prove infection. It is common for a physician specializing in management of infections to view a WBC returning toward normal as an indicator that prescribed treatment is having beneficial effect. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Staphylococcus_aureus)

Answer 2

No, introduction of the Staph toxin or bacteria is the cause of a staph infection. Low WBC can be a contributing factor, but is not the sole cause.