What conditions cause low neutrophil and white blood cell count in tandem?

Neutropenia, also known as low neutrophil count, and leukopenia, or low white blood cell count, can occur together due to various underlying conditions. Some of the common causes include:

1. Infection: Severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis, can lead to a decrease in neutrophil and white blood cell counts as the body's immune system becomes overwhelmed.

2. Viral Infections: Viral infections, especially those caused by certain viruses like influenza and measles, can cause a temporary decrease in neutrophil and white blood cell counts.

3. Bone Marrow Disorders: Conditions affecting bone marrow function, such as aplastic anemia and leukemia, can disrupt the production of neutrophils and other blood cells, resulting in low neutrophil and white blood cell counts.

4. Autoimmune Disorders: In autoimmune disorders like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, leading to the destruction of neutrophils and other blood cells, causing neutropenia and leukopenia.

5. Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy: Treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can damage bone marrow and affect the production of blood cells, including neutrophils and white blood cells.

6. Drug Reactions: Certain medications, such as antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause a decrease in neutrophil and white blood cell counts as a side effect.

7. Vitamin Deficiencies: Severe deficiencies of certain vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid, can affect blood cell production and lead to low neutrophil and white blood cell counts.

8. Hypersplenism: This condition occurs when the spleen becomes enlarged and traps an excessive number of blood cells, including neutrophils and other white blood cells, resulting in low counts in the bloodstream.

9. Sepsis: A severe infection that causes inflammation throughout the body, sepsis can lead to low neutrophil and white blood cell counts as the immune system becomes dysregulated.

It is important to note that neutropenia and leukopenia can also occur independently and may be caused by different factors. If you experience a persistent decrease in neutrophil and white blood cell counts, it is essential to consult a medical professional for proper evaluation and management of the underlying condition.