Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Lymphocytes are primarily increased during chronic viral and bacterial infections due to their critical role in the immune response. They are a key component of the adaptive immune system, specifically involved in recognizing and responding to pathogens.

During a chronic infection, the body produces more lymphocytes, which include T cells and B cells, to combat the ongoing presence of the virus or bacteria. T cells are crucial for directly killing infected cells or helping orchestrate the immune response, while B cells are responsible for producing antibodies that target specific pathogens.

The increase in lymphocytes in chronic infections contrasts with other types of white blood cells. Eosinophils are more typically associated with allergic reactions and parasitic infections rather than chronic viral or bacterial ones. Monocytes can indeed increase during infections as well, but they primarily play a role in the initial phases of the immune response, especially in acute infections. Basophils, while also involved in allergic responses and less common infections, do not typically show significant increases in chronic infections.

Thus, the elevation of lymphocytes is a hallmark of the immune system's adjustment and reaction to sustained infection, making this option the correct choice.