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What are the Different Causes of a Low White Blood Cell Count?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A low white blood cell count, also called leukopenia, may be caused by a variety of health conditions, illnesses, or other related issues. Generally, it is discovered through testing, meaning that a patient is usually already experiencing symptoms that have led him or her to see a medical professional. With so many factors that can cause a low white blood cell count, it is important to get comprehensive tests that can lead to an accurate diagnosis of the underlying cause.

White blood cells, also called leukocytes, are the warriors of the immune system. Mostly produced by bone marrow, white blood cell count will initially rise when the body is attacked by a disease. If the infection is overwhelming, however, white blood cells may be consumed faster than they can be released, leading to a low count. Additionally, if an infection is disturbing the functions of the bone marrow, production may be slowed down and white blood cell count may drop. In a healthy adult, white blood cells account for about 1% of blood makeup, but this proportion varies with age and even sex.

HIV is an autoimmune disease that is associated with a low white blood cell count.
HIV is an autoimmune disease that is associated with a low white blood cell count.

Sometimes, a low white blood cell count is attributed to medication or treatment. Certain intensive medication therapies, such as cancer-fighting chemotherapy, will destroy white blood cells as well as cancerous cells. People undergoing chemotherapy are carefully monitored to ensure that their white blood cell count stays above a minimum level, as too great a drop leads to a high risk of infection and other complications. Radiation therapy, another type of cancer treatment, can also destroy healthy white blood cells along with diseased, cancerous cells.

A white blood cell.
A white blood cell.

A low white blood cell count is frequently a result of a viral infection or congenital defect that slows down bone marrow function. Without bone marrow producing white blood cells, any minor infection can quickly spread in the wake of a weak defense. Some congenital issues considered possible causes of decreased white blood production include myleokathexis and Kostmann's syndrome.

A diagram showing different types of white blood cells.
A diagram showing different types of white blood cells.

Autoimmune diseases are conditions that lead the body to attack its own defense system. As the body turns inward, white blood cells can become a major victim of the battle as they attempt to attack the organs and tissues of the body instead of infections. Lupus and HIV/AIDS are two common autoimmune diseases associated with a low white blood cell count.

Chemotherapy treatments can result in low white blood cell counts.
Chemotherapy treatments can result in low white blood cell counts.

In some cases, a vitamin or mineral deficiency can cause the white blood cell count to drop significantly. This is commonly associated with a copper and zinc deficiency, though a low red and white blood cell count may also be due to a lack of iron or vitamin B12 in the diet. Adding a daily vitamin supplement or changing diet to include more vitamin-rich foods can sometimes boost a vitamin-deficiency caused low blood cell count.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a TheHealthBoard writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

FernValley

So many conditions have similar symptoms, it's hard to know what you have. I have suffered from both anemia and mononucleosis; like having a low white blood cell count, fatigue and general tiredness is one of the biggest indicators of those conditions. When I have been tested for them in the past, doctors have often tests for low white blood cells as well. Fortunately, this at least means that all of these conditions can be at least helped in the same ways, if not immediately cured- through rest, eating healthy food, and making sure to get plenty of vitamins, minerals, and water.

accordion

@watson42, remember too that cancer does not exactly "cause" low white blood cells; any illness can speed up the process of white blood cell loss, if the body is too challenged in fighting it. At the same time, the problem with cancer and white blood cells often stems from the treatment of the disease, rather than the cancer itself; this is why many people question if things like chemotherapy or radiation are safe ways to treat cancer, since they can cause the loss of blood cells, leading to other problems that can be even more immediately threatening than the cancer.

watson42

Generally, it seems like having a low white blood cell count is avoidable. At the same time, it could happen to anyone, just like the cancer that can help to cause it. While no one can completely avoid illnesses, it is important to remember what we can do to prevent them whenever possible.

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    • HIV is an autoimmune disease that is associated with a low white blood cell count.
      By: designua
      HIV is an autoimmune disease that is associated with a low white blood cell count.
    • A white blood cell.
      By: Inside Vision Lab
      A white blood cell.
    • A diagram showing different types of white blood cells.
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      A diagram showing different types of white blood cells.
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      Chemotherapy treatments can result in low white blood cell counts.
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      Many factors can cause a low white blood cell count.
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      Antiretroviral drug cocktails may help to prevent leukopenia in those with HIV infections.