What are the possible causes of leukopenia (low White Blood Cell (WBC) count)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 6, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Low White Blood Cell (WBC) Count

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral infections: Many viral infections, such as the flu or mononucleosis, can cause a temporary decrease in WBC count. This is often due to the virus's effect on the bone marrow or the immune system's response to the infection.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Medications: Certain medications, including antibiotics, anticonvulsants, and chemotherapeutic agents, can suppress bone marrow activity, leading to a low WBC count.
  • Bone marrow failure: Conditions such as aplastic anemia or myelodysplastic syndrome can cause a decrease in WBC production due to bone marrow failure.
  • Severe bacterial infections: In some cases, severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis, can cause a low WBC count due to the consumption of white blood cells in the infection site.
  • Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as liver or kidney disease, can cause a low WBC count due to the body's decreased ability to produce white blood cells.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • HIV/AIDS: A low WBC count can be an indicator of HIV/AIDS, as the virus attacks and destroys CD4 cells, a type of white blood cell.
  • Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), can cause a low WBC count due to the bone marrow's inability to produce healthy white blood cells.
  • Sepsis: As mentioned earlier, sepsis can cause a low WBC count, and it is essential to diagnose and treat sepsis promptly to prevent serious complications or death.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Congenital disorders: Certain congenital disorders, such as Kostmann syndrome, can cause a low WBC count due to a defect in the bone marrow's ability to produce white blood cells.
  • Autoimmune disorders: Some autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause a low WBC count due to the immune system's attack on healthy white blood cells.
  • Nutritional deficiencies: Severe deficiencies in nutrients such as vitamin B12 or folate can cause a low WBC count due to the body's decreased ability to produce white blood cells.
  • Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation can damage the bone marrow, leading to a low WBC count.

Related Questions

Does leukopenia in the context of splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) require precautions for leukopenia (low white blood cell count)?
What indicates Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) positivity?
Does a possible venous thrombosis of the spermatic cord require emergent care?
What is the recommended systemic vascular resistance (SVR) range for patients on vasopressors?
What can cause neutropenia with a normal White Blood Cell (WBC) count?
What is the recommended systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) range for patients on vasopressors?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question