Causes

By Mayo Clinic Staff

White blood cells come from the spongy tissue called bone marrow inside some of the larger bones. Conditions that affect the bone marrow are most often the causes of low white blood cell count. Some of these conditions are present at birth, also called congenital.

Causes of a low white blood cell count include:

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

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

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Feb. 19, 2026

See also

  1. Pediatric white blood cell disorders