What are the causes of low white blood cell count?
Disease description:
I recently had a complete blood count (CBC) test, and the results showed low white blood cell count. Could you please explain what might cause a low white blood cell count?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng
The main causes of low white blood cell count can be categorized into the following groups:
1. Malnutrition: A lack of adequate nutrients, especially proteins, vitamins, and trace elements, may lead to a decrease in white blood cell count.
2. Viral infection: Viral, bacterial, or fungal infections can cause a reduction in white blood cells, such as in typhoid fever, influenza, and others.
3. Medication effects: Certain medications such as antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs may cause a decrease in white blood cell count. Regular monitoring of white blood cell and platelet counts is recommended during treatment with these medications.
4. Autoimmune diseases: Conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis cause the immune system to mistakenly attack and destroy white blood cells.
5. Hematologic disorders: Diseases such as myelofibrosis and leukemia can lead to abnormal blood cell production in the bone marrow, thereby affecting the number of white blood cells.
A reduced white blood cell count may increase the risk of infections. Therefore, timely medical evaluation and treatment are necessary when low white blood cell count is detected.
