White blood cells play an important role in the immune system, scavenging the blood stream for viruses, bacteria and other foreign particles. The condition of having a low number of white blood cells, called neutropenia, has few symptoms but can be serious. Low white cell counts can lead to frequent and persistent infections. Consult your doctor if you have any symptoms of chronic infection or think you may be at risk for neutropenia.
Infection
A number of medical conditions such as infection can impact the bone marrow, which serves as the factory for white blood cell production. The Merck Manual explains that viral infections such as influenza or bacterial infections such as tuberculosis can cause white cell production to slow down. The Mayo Clinic also explains that a rapid, overwhelming infection can be a potential cause of neutropenia. As bacteria or viruses multiply in the blood, they may outnumber white cells and eat up white cells faster than they can be produced in the bone marrow.
Leukemia and Other Cancers
Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-producing cells of the bone marrow that leads to the production of a large number of nonfunctional white blood cells. The Mayo Clinic explains that this devastating condition is often associated with changes in production of white blood cells. Although individuals with leukemia may have normal or above normal numbers of white cells, the number of functional white cells in these patients can be very low. Low white cell count is frequently an issue for cancer patients in general as chemotherapy and radiation treatment can be toxic to the bone marrow, leading to low white cell numbers.
Enlarged Spleen
Individuals with an enlarged spleen may have low white cell counts as the spleen traps and destroys white cells more rapidly than they are produced. The Merck Manual explains that an enlarged spleen can result from infection, anemia and cancer. If this is the case, your doctor may recommend a splenectomy to restore normal blood function.
Aplastic Anemia
Aplastic anemia is a failure of blood cell production resulting from autoimmune destruction of bone marrow cells. According to the National Neutropenia Network, aplastic anemia is most commonly the result of autoimmune conditions in which the immune system attacks bone marrow stem cells. The causes of aplastic anemia are usually unknown. Exposure to certain toxins such as benzene can cause aplastic anemia. Prescription drugs such as chloramphenicol, carbamazepine, and felbamate have also been known to lead to aplastic anemia.
