Lymphocytopenia - What Causes Lymphocytopenia? - Causes

In general, lymphocytopenia (a low lymphocyte count) occurs because:

  • The body doesn't make enough lymphocytes.
  • The body makes enough lymphocytes, but they’re destroyed.
  • The lymphocytes get stuck in the spleen or lymph nodes.

A combination of these factors also may cause a low lymphocyte count.

Many diseases, conditions, and factors can lead to a low lymphocyte count. These conditions can be acquired or inherited. "Acquired" means you aren't born with the condition, but you develop it. "Inherited" means your parents passed the gene for the condition on to you.

Exactly how each disease, condition, or factor affects your lymphocyte count isn't known. Some people have low lymphocyte counts with no underlying cause.

Acquired Causes

Many acquired diseases, conditions, and factors can cause lymphocytopenia. Examples include:

  • Infectious diseases, such as AIDS, viral hepatitis, tuberculosis, and typhoid fever.
  • Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus. (Autoimmune disorders occur if the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s cells and tissues.)
  • Steroid therapy.
  • Blood cancer and other blood diseases, such as Hodgkin's disease and aplastic anemia.
  • Radiation and chemotherapy (treatments for cancer).

Inherited Causes

Certain inherited diseases and conditions can lead to lymphocytopenia. Examples include DiGeorge anomaly, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, severe combined immunodeficiency syndrome, and ataxia-telangiectasia. These inherited conditions are rare.