What Causes Lymphocytopenia?

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

• The body doesn't make enough lymphocytes.
• The body makes enough lymphocytes, but they are destroyed due to an abnormal condition.
• The lymphocytes get stuck in the spleen or lymph nodes.

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

A number of diseases, conditions, and factors can cause the problems that lead to a low lymphocyte count. These conditions can be inherited (passed from parents to children), or they can develop at any age.

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

Acquired Causes

A number of 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
• 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.