Neutropenia is a decrease in circulating neutrophils in the nonmarginal pool, which constitutes 4-5% of total body neutrophil stores. Most of the neutrophils are contained in the bone marrow, either as mitotically active (one third) or postmitotic mature cells (two thirds). Neutropenia is a condition in which the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the bloodstream is decreased, affecting the body's ability to fight off infections. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of neutropenia, and the factors that can increase or decrease the risk of developing it. Overview Neutropenia is a medical condition that occurs when you have lower than normal neutrophils (a type of white blood cells) in your bloodstream. It can make you susceptible to infections. In severe cases of neutropenia, the normal bacteria present in your mouth and digestive tract can also cause infections . Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell) in the blood. Neutropenia, if severe, significantly increases the risk of life-threatening infection. Neutropenia is often a side effect of the treatment of cancer with chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
