What Causes a Low Neutrophil Percentage?

May 17, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Jiang Weimin
Introduction
Hematologic Disorders: Certain hematologic conditions—such as aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, lymphoma, and hemophagocytic syndrome—can lead to decreased neutrophil percentage, often accompanied by thrombocytopenia and anemia. Maintain healthy lifestyle habits in daily life, ensure adequate sleep, and seek timely medical evaluation and treatment if any physical discomfort arises.

In daily life, some individuals may experience neutropenia (a low neutrophil count), which can adversely affect health and necessitate prompt medical evaluation and treatment. What causes a low neutrophil percentage?

What Causes a Low Neutrophil Percentage?

A slightly reduced neutrophil percentage—while total white blood cell (WBC) and granulocyte counts remain within normal limits—may occur following certain infections before full hematologic recovery and typically lacks clinical significance. However, it may also result from underlying diseases or physical/chemical insults. Common causes of a low neutrophil percentage include the following:

Infection: Gram-negative bacterial infections—such as those caused by Salmonella typhi or Salmonella paratyphi (typhoid or paratyphoid fever)—often lead to concurrent reductions in both total WBCs and neutrophils. Certain viral infections—including influenza, varicella (chickenpox), and novel bunyavirus infection causing fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome—can also cause leukopenia, thereby lowering the neutrophil percentage. Some protozoal infections, such as malaria, may similarly reduce the neutrophil percentage.

Hematologic Disorders: Certain hematologic conditions—including aplastic anemia, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, lymphoma, and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis—can cause neutropenia. These disorders are often accompanied by thrombocytopenia and/or anemia.

Maintain healthy lifestyle habits and ensure adequate sleep. If you experience any physical discomfort, seek timely medical evaluation and treatment. We hope this information is helpful to you!

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