Can A Low WBC Count In Blood Cause An Abscess?

Posted on Sat, 19 Sep 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 Answered on

Fri, 16 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : I have had an abcess that has been infected and on and off and has been swells and deflates this has been happening for 1 year. I now have a low white cell count. But all other blood work is fine. Are the two related?

Answered by Dr. Sandip Kabra (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
May be possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to health care magic,

Most abscess occur due to staphylococcus aueus infection and from which our white blood cells rise to fight against the bacteria in blood initially but if there is recurrent infection of the same bacteria,they may destroy white blood cells by producing certain toxins in the body.

So,for that reason we could have low total counts in complete hemogram especially we could see low neutrophills.

Hence,this posiblity can not be ruled out. However, I would like to know your complete blood count report and what treatment you have taken for this recurrent abscess formation.

Also,let know if you have abscess at present or not.

Regards,

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina