ABSTRACT
Fever is a frequent presenting symptom in many varied hematologic disorders. The lymphatic system plays an important role in antibody production. This explains the immune and histologic changes which occur in the lymph nodes and the spleen in the course of diverse inflammatory, infectious, immune, and neoplastic conditions. Non-malignant lymphadenopathy and/or splenomegaly occur most frequently in infancy and childhood. The localization and character of the enlarged lymph nodes is of diagnostic value, e.g., retroauricular lymphadenopathy in rubella, or bilateral hilar adenopathy in sarcoidosis. Generalized lymphadenopathy can be caused by systemic infections. The neutrophils provide an effective host defense against bacterial and fungal infections. Lymphocytes play a very important role in the immune response of the body. Marked neutropenia or severe defects in neutrophil function can cause aphtous ulcers of the mucous membranes, severe gingivitis, recurrent pneumonias, and bacterial or fungal sepsis.
