What is "leukopenia"

alt. (context medicine English) an abnormally low count of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the blood n. (context medicine English) an abnormally low count of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the blood

n. an abnormal lowering of the white blood cell count [syn: leucopenia]

Leukopenia (also known as leukocytopenia or leucopenia, from Greek λευκός "white" and πενία "deficiency") is a decrease in the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) found in the blood, which places individuals at increased risk of infection.

Neutropenia, a subtype of leukopenia, refers to a decrease in the number of circulating neutrophil granulocytes, the most abundant white blood cells. The terms leukopenia and neutropenia may occasionally be used interchangeably, as the neutrophil count is the most important indicator of infection risk. This should not be confused with agranulocytosis.