Diagnosis of Skin Parasites, Bacteria, and Fungi and Their Impact on Hematological Parameters in Patients with T-LGL Leukemia.

INTRODUCTION

T-cell Large Granular Lymphocyte (T-LGL) leukemia is a chronic lymphoproliferative disorder associated with cytopenias and immune dysregulation, predisposing patients to infections. However, the prevalence and hematological impact of cutaneous immunocompromised-associated infections, bacterial, and fungal infections in these patients remain insufficiently characterized.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 60 patients with T-LGL leukemia and 60 healthy controls. Infection screening was performed using clinical examination, direct microscopy, and microbiological culture. Hematological parameters, including total White Blood Cell (WBC), Red Blood Cell (RBC), platelet counts, and differential leukocyte counts, were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 26, with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

Parasitic infections were most prevalent (38%), followed by bacterial (32%) and fungal infections (30%). Common pathogens included Sarcoptes scabiei and Leishmania tropica (parasitic), Staphylococcus aureus (bacterial), and dermatophytes (fungal). Parasitic infections were significantly associated with eosinophilia and lymphocytosis (p < 0.05), while bacterial and fungal infections showed increased neutrophil percentages. Compared to controls, infected patients exhibited leukopenia, anemia, and thrombocytopenia. Infection burden was higher in females, and age-related peaks were observed for L. tropica (30-40 years) and dermatophyte infections (20-30 years).

DISCUSSION: These findings highlight distinct infection-specific hematological alterations in T-LGL leukemia, emphasizing the role of immunocompromised-associated infections in worsening cytopenias. Limitations include the retrospective design and limited sample size.

CONCLUSION

Recognition of infection patterns and their hematological impact may improve diagnostic evaluation and guide targeted infection surveillance, ultimately reducing morbidity in T-LGL leukemia patients.