Cause: Infections
Neutropenia and its association with infections work both ways. Neutropenia can lead to infections, but infections can also cause neutropenia. This occurs when the body utilizes neutrophils to combat the infection at a rate faster than the bone marrow can replenish them. Numerous infections can result in neutropenia, including tuberculosis, dengue fever, HIV, malaria, Lyme’s disease, Epstein-Barr virus, and viral hepatitis.
Underlying Cause: Autoimmune Disease
Autoimmune diseases are characterized by the body’s immune system attacking its own healthy cells. In the case of neutropenia, the immune system specifically targets and destroys neutrophil cells at a faster rate than the body can replenish them. Neutropenia has been found to be associated with various autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
The exact cause of autoimmune diseases remains unknown, although certain factors increase the risk. Women, particularly those of African-American, Hispanic-American, or Native-American descent, have a higher likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases. Additionally, having a family history of autoimmune diseases can also contribute to the susceptibility.