Difference between revisions of "Lymphopenia"
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
| Line 2: | Line 2: | ||
==Description== | ==Description== | ||
| − | Lymphopenia is a reduction in the numbers of lymphocytes in the blood. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with stress (as part of the '''stress leucogram''') or with viral infection. | + | Lymphopenia is a reduction in the numbers of lymphocytes in the blood. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with stress (as part of the '''stress leucogram''') or with viral infection. Causes include: |
*Viral infection with [[Canine Distemper Virus|canine distemper]], [[Infectious canine hepatitis]], [[Feline infectious enteritis|feline infectious enteritis]] or [[Bovine Viral Diarrhoea|bovine viral diarrhoea]] (BVD) | *Viral infection with [[Canine Distemper Virus|canine distemper]], [[Infectious canine hepatitis]], [[Feline infectious enteritis|feline infectious enteritis]] or [[Bovine Viral Diarrhoea|bovine viral diarrhoea]] (BVD) | ||
*Bone marrow suppression caused by '''chemotherapy''' or '''radiotherapy'''. Since neutrophils have a much shorter circulating half life, they are the first cell line to fall with any insult to the bone marrow but lymphopenia may occur as part of a more severe pancytopenia. | *Bone marrow suppression caused by '''chemotherapy''' or '''radiotherapy'''. Since neutrophils have a much shorter circulating half life, they are the first cell line to fall with any insult to the bone marrow but lymphopenia may occur as part of a more severe pancytopenia. | ||
Revision as of 17:18, 1 November 2010
 |
This article has been peer reviewed but is awaiting expert review. If you would like to help with this, please see more information about expert reviewing. |
Description
Lymphopenia is a reduction in the numbers of lymphocytes in the blood. This phenomenon is most commonly associated with stress (as part of the stress leucogram) or with viral infection. Causes include:
- Viral infection with canine distemper, Infectious canine hepatitis, feline infectious enteritis or bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD)
- Bone marrow suppression caused by chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Since neutrophils have a much shorter circulating half life, they are the first cell line to fall with any insult to the bone marrow but lymphopenia may occur as part of a more severe pancytopenia.
- Inherited or acquired immunodeficiency syndromes, including SCID (Severe Combined Immunodeficiency Syndrome) in Arab foals and feline immunodeficiency virus infection.
- Stress leucogram, characterised by neutrophilia, monocytosis, eosinopenia and lymphopenia. A similar pattern may occur with hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease) or exogenous corticosteroid therapy as these hormones selectively suppress lymphocytic activity and the inflammatory response in general.
- Leakage of lymphatic fluid may result in loss of lymphocytes, as occurs with lymphangiectasia or chylothorax.
Literature Search
Use these links to find recent scientific publications via CAB Abstracts (log in required unless accessing from a subscribing organisation).
Publications with 'lymphopenia' in their title