What does it mean when the monocyte ratio is high?
Sep 22, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
An elevated monocyte ratio may be caused by factors such as puberty, intense physical exercise, cytomegalovirus infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, or systemic lupus erythematosus. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. In daily life, maintain a balanced diet, reduce intake of spicy, greasy, high-sugar, and high-salt foods, engage in moderate physical activity, enhance immunity, prevent infections, and avoid the misuse of medications.
In general, an elevated monocyte ratio may be caused by factors such as puberty, intense physical exercise, cytomegalovirus infection, mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, or systemic lupus erythematosus. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Puberty
During puberty, the body undergoes rapid growth and development, and the immune system adjusts accordingly. The bone marrow may produce more monocytes to enhance immune responsiveness, potentially leading to an increased proportion of monocytes in the blood. Elevated monocyte ratio during puberty is usually a normal phenomenon that does not require special treatment—regular monitoring is sufficient.
2. Intense Physical Exercise
Intense exercise stimulates the body to release stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which prompt the bone marrow to release more monocytes into the bloodstream, resulting in a higher monocyte ratio. Adequate rest should be taken regularly, and overtraining should be avoided.
3. Cytomegalovirus Infection
Cytomegalovirus infection typically occurs through contact with secretions from infected individuals or via mother-to-child transmission. In cases of cytomegalovirus infection, the proportion of monocytes in the blood may rise, often accompanied by symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. Patients should follow medical advice and use medications such as ganciclovir capsules, foscarnet sodium chloride injection, or valganciclovir hydrochloride tablets for treatment.
4. Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Infection
Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infections mostly occur due to inhalation of aerosols containing non-tuberculous mycobacteria, particularly when immune function is compromised. During bacterial infection, monocytes—acting as the body’s first line of defense—respond rapidly and increase in number, commonly causing an elevated monocyte ratio. Symptoms may include low-grade fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Under medical guidance, patients can be treated with medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, or ethambutol hydrochloride tablets.
5. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus may be triggered by genetic, environmental, hormonal, or immune-related factors. In affected individuals, immune cells including monocytes increase in number to respond to inflammatory reactions, leading to a higher monocyte ratio. Additional symptoms may include joint pain, rashes, and photosensitivity. Patients may take medications such as hydroxychloroquine sulfate tablets, cyclophosphamide tablets, or methotrexate tablets under a doctor's guidance.
It is advisable in daily life to maintain a balanced diet, exercise moderately, strengthen immunity, prevent infections, and avoid inappropriate use of medications.
