What causes low lymphocyte count?

A number of conditions can cause low lymphocyte count: Blood diseases like Hodgkin’s disease. Autoimmune disorders like lupus. Infectious diseases like tuberculosis, AIDS, and viral hepatitis.

When should I be concerned about low lymphocytes?

A low lymphocyte count alone may not cause any signs or symptoms. The condition usually is found when a person is tested for other diseases or conditions, such as AIDS. If you have unusual infections, repeat infections, and/or infections that won’t go away, your doctor may suspect that you have lymphocytopenia.

What is lymphocytes in cancer?

(LIM-foh-site) A type of immune cell that is made in the bone marrow and is found in the blood and in lymph tissue. The two main types of lymphocytes are B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. B lymphocytes make antibodies, and T lymphocytes help kill tumor cells and help control immune responses.

Which type of cancer affects the lymphocytes?

Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body. When you have lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control.

Is Mild lymphocytosis cancerous?

It usually occurs after an illness and is harmless and temporary. But it might represent something more serious, such as a blood cancer or a chronic infection.

Do low lymphocytes mean immunocompromised?

People with low lymphocyte levels are, therefore, vulnerable to infections. People can acquire or inherit lymphocytopenia. Acquired lymphocytopenia is more common, and there are many potential causes.

What are the reasons for low lymphocytes?

Infections are the most common cause. Any serious infection can temporarily reduce lymphocyte count, but most of these are acute, to the point that people need hospitalization. One common infection to cause a low lymphocyte count is HIV. In the early days of the epidemic, a low lymphocyte count was a clue to either acute or advanced HIV.

What is the treatment for low lymphocytes?

In addition to cancer treatments, several drugs can reduce lymphocytes. Medication-induced lymphocytopenia ranges from minor to severe. The following medications may lower your lymphocyte level: azathioprine (Imuran, Azasan) carbamazepine (Tegretol, Epitol) cimetidine (Tagamet) corticosteroids.

What causes low lymphocites?

Certain factors can cause a low lymphocyte count, such as: The body doesn’t make enough lymphocytes. The body makes enough lymphocytes, but they’re destroyed. The lymphocytes get trapped in the spleen or lymph nodes.

What is the significance of low lymphocytes?

Very low levels of lymphocytes make patients vulnerable to life-threatening infection. Researchers are studying the effectiveness of transplanting bone marrow and other cells to restore normal lymphocyte levels.