Definition
A low white blood cell count indicates a drop in disease-preventive blood cells.
The
definition of a low white blood cell count varies from one laboratory
to another. This is because each laboratory establishes its own
reference range based on the people it serves. A count of less than
3,500 white blood cells per microliter of blood is typically regarded as
low in adults. For children, the expected count depends on age.
Some
people may have lower than expected white blood cell counts and still
be healthy. For example, black-skinned people tend to have lower counts
than white-skinned people.
Causes
White
blood cells are made in the bone marrow, the spongy tissue located
inside some of the longest bones. Conditions that affect the bone
marrow are the most common causes of a low white blood cell count. Some
of these conditions are present from birth (congenital).
Causes of a low white blood cell count include the following:
*Aplastic anemia
*Chemotherapy
*Radiotherapy
-Epstein–Barr virus
*Hepatitis A
*Hepatitis B
*HIV AIDS
*Infections
*Leukemia
*Lupus
*Rheumatoid arthritis
*Malaria
*Malnutrition as well as a vitamin shortage.
*Medications, such as antibiotics
*Sarcoidosis
*Sepsis (a severe bloodstream infection)
*Tuberculosis
Symptoms
A
low white blood cell or leukocyte count does not lead to specific
symptoms. You have symptoms because you get infections often.
Sometimes the infections are unusual, they are infections that most
people do not get.
Symptoms of infections can start abruptly or slowly and include:
* Rash
*Swollen lymph nodes
* Painful sores in the mouth and anus (the opening at the end of the digestive tract where stool comes out)
*Fever, chills, or sweats.
*Diarrhea that does not go away or comes with blood.
*Severe nausea and vomiting
*Inability to eat or drink.
*Extreme weakness.
Diagnosis :
Doctor will likely recommend tests to diagnose a low lymphocyte count. Some of these analyzes may need to be repeated.
A
complete blood count with differential looks at the number of
lymphocytes, as well as red blood cells, platelets, and other types of
white blood cells in the blood.
Flow
cytometry measures the levels of different types of lymphocytes: T
cells, B cells, and natural killer cells. This helps doctors find the
underlying cause of the lymphopenia.
Immunoglobulin
levels assays measure levels of antibodies called immunoglobulins, made
by B lymphocytes. Total levels may be low due to low B lymphocyte
counts, or it is likely that some groups of B lymphocytes, even if
present, are dysfunctional and do not produce normal amounts of some
subgroups of antibodies.
Doctors treat a low white blood cell or leukocyte count using:
*Antibiotics to treat any infection
*Medicines to force your body to make more white blood cells
*Treatment for any conditions that may be causing the low count.
