Neutropenia (noo-troe-PEE-nee-uh) is an abnormally low count of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight off infections, particularly those caused by bacteria and fungi.

The threshold for defining neutropenia varies slightly from one medical practice to another. Neutropenia in adults is generally defined as a count of 1,700 or fewer neutrophils per microliter of blood. The cell count indicating neutropenia in children varies with age.

The lower your neutrophil count, the more vulnerable you are to infectious diseases. If you have severe neutropenia — fewer than about 500 cells per microliter of blood — bacteria normally present in your mouth and digestive tract can cause infections.

Possible causes of neutropenia include:

1. Alcoholism or chronic alcohol use
2. Aplastic anemia
3. Chemotherapy
4. Chronic idiopathic neutropenia in adults
5. Drugs, such as antibiotics and diuretics
6. Hepatitis A
7. Hepatitis B
8. Hepatitis C
9. HIV/AIDS
10. Hypersplenism, a premature destruction of blood cells by the spleen
11. Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
12. Kostmann's syndrome, a congenital disorder involving low neutrophil production
13. Leukemia
14. Lupus
15. Lyme disease
16. Malaria
17. Myelodysplastic syndromes
18. Myelofibrosis
19. Myelokathexis, a congenital disorder involving failure of neutrophils to enter the bloodstream
20. Other autoimmune disorders
21. Other congenital disorders
22. Other infectious diseases
23. Other parasitic diseases
24. Radiation therapy
25. Rheumatoid arthritis
26. Salmonella infection
27. Sepsis
28. Syndrome-associated neutropenia
29. Vitamin deficiencies

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

Source: mayoclinic.org

Because neutropenia makes you vulnerable to bacterial and fungal infections, take precautions to avoid these organisms. Wear a face mask, avoid anyone with a cold, and wash your hands regularly and thoroughly.

Source: mayoclinic.org