Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

White blood cells are made in bone marrow — the spongy tissue inside some of the larger bones. Conditions that affect the bone marrow are the usual causes of low white blood cell count. Some of these conditions are present at birth, also known as congenital.

Causes of a low white blood cell count include:

  1. Aplastic anemia
  2. Chemotherapy
  3. Radiation therapy
  4. Epstein-Barr virus infection.
  5. Hepatitis A
  6. Hepatitis B
  7. HIV/AIDS
  8. Infections
  9. Leukemia
  10. Lupus
  11. Rheumatoid arthritis
  12. Malaria
  13. Malnutrition and lack of certain vitamins
  14. Medications, such as antibiotics
  15. Sarcoidosis
  16. Sepsis (an overwhelming bloodstream infection)
  17. Tuberculosis

Causes shown here are commonly associated with this symptom. Work with your doctor or other health care professional for an accurate diagnosis.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.

Dec. 10, 2022

See also

  1. Pediatric white blood cell disorders