A 15-year-old girl with fever and sore throat has atypical lymphocytes. What type of cells are the atypical lymphocytes in her case?

In this scenario involving a 15-year-old girl with fever, sore throat, and atypical lymphocytes, it's essential to recognize the context of atypical lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are often associated with viral infections, particularly infectious mononucleosis, which can be caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

The atypical lymphocytes seen in such cases are primarily enlarged and are typically a reaction to the viral infection. They are usually T lymphocytes, specifically CD8+ T lymphocytes, which are cytotoxic T cells responsible for targeting and eliminating infected cells. The increased presence of these cells is part of the immune response to fight off the viral infection, leading to the characteristic findings of atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood.

This understanding aligns with common clinical presentations, making CD8+ T lymphocytes the most appropriate identification of the atypical lymphocyte population in this context. Such responses are crucial for managing viral infections, as these cells play a significant role in controlling the infection.