What does the presence of WBCs in stool typically indicate?

The presence of white blood cells (WBCs) in stool typically indicates an inflammatory response within the gastrointestinal tract, commonly seen in infections. When pathogens such as bacteria or viruses invade the intestines, the body mounts an immune response which includes the migration of white blood cells to the site of infection. This immune response leads to inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as diarrhea, cramping, and sometimes fever.

In the case of bacterial infections, specific organisms like Shigella, Salmonella, or Campylobacter can lead to dysentery, which is characterized by the presence of WBCs in the stool. Similarly, some viral infections may also cause a similar inflammatory response. Although parasitic infections can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, they are generally associated with eosinophilia rather than leukocytosis and may not always result in WBCs being present in the stool.

Vitamin deficiencies and gastroesophageal reflux disease do not typically lead to WBCs in the stool as they are not primarily associated with inflammatory or infectious processes in the intestines. Therefore, the finding of WBCs in stool is most directly linked to either viral or bacterial infections, as these conditions provoke the immune system's response in the gastrointestinal tract.