A decrease in neutrophils is called

• A. Macrocytosis
• B. Neutropenia
• C. Leukopoiesis
• D. Megaloblasts

Answer: (B)

Neutropenia is the term for a decrease in neutrophils. Neutrophils are the first responders to bacterial infections, and their numbers are kept within a normal range to defend against pathogens. When the absolute neutrophil count drops below the normal lower limit, the body’s ability to fight-off infections is reduced, increasing infection risk. This condition can result from chemotherapy, bone marrow disorders, certain drugs, severe infections that consume neutrophils, or nutritional deficiencies. The other terms describe different things: macrocytosis refers to enlarged red blood cells; megaloblasts are abnormal immature red blood cell precursors seen in megaloblastic anemia; leukopoiesis is the production of white blood cells in general, not a decrease.