The most common reasons for a low white blood cell count (or low WBC count) include:
- Cancer and Cancer Treatments : Certain types of cancer, some types of chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can cause a low white blood cell count
- Infections : Infection is the most common cause of neutropenia in adults. Viruses can affect the bone marrow and cause low white blood cells. Severe infections, such as blood infections, can also lead to a low white blood cell count
- Medications : Some medications, particularly chemotherapy drugs, can cause a low white blood cell count
- Other Causes : Other causes include bone marrow problems, autoimmune conditions, HIV/AIDS, and genetic factors such as benign ethnic neutropenia
A low white blood cell count can increase the risk of infections and may require specific treatments depending on the underlying cause
. If someone has a persistently low white blood cell count, they should consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance
