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What Are Reasons for Low White Blood Count?

White blood cells are part of the body's defense system against foreign objects. A laboratory can perform a blood test to determine the count of white blood cells in your body. A low white cell count is known as leukopenia. Determining the cause of leukopenia requires additional testing.

  1. Types

    • White blood cells are divided into five subtypes: neutrophiles, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils. Each group uses its own defense mechanism to target certain objects.

    Neutropenia

    • Low white blood cell count caused by a decrease in neutrophils--called neutropenia--may be due to bone marrow disorders, viral infections, severe bacterial infections, allergies, autoimmune diseases, some drugs, radiation therapy or an enlarged spleen.

    Lymphocytopenia

    • A decrease in lymphocytes in the blood, known as lympocytopenia, can be caused by HIV infection, malnutrition, some drugs, chemotherapy and some immunodeficiency disorders.

    Monocytopenia

    • Monocytopenia is the decrease in monocytes in the blood. It is mainly caused by certain types of bacterial infection or chemotherapy.

    Basopenia

    • Acute hypersensitivity reactions and some infections can cause a decrease in basophils (basopenia).

    Eosinopenia

    • Stress reactions, some treatments and Cushing's syndrome cause eosinopenia, a low eosinophil count.

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