Monocytopenia usually is associated with abnormalities of other types of white blood cells.

It also can occur with cancer and other illnesses.

When you have low monocytes, this reduces your body’s immune defenses.

A monocyte on a blood smear

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Frequent infections are common, which can cause a range of symptoms.

Common medical treatments can affect monocytes.

These causes can include:

Sometimes a low monocyte level is associated with prolonged recovery from an injury.

GATA2 Deficiency

GATA2 deficiency symptoms can begin as early as infancy or as late as adulthood.

Symptoms can includelymphadenopathy, warts, and frequent viral, fungal, and bacterial infections, including mycobacterial infection.

This condition can also progress to cause acute myeloid leukemia or chronic myeloid leukemia.

It causes low levels of many types of leukocytes, including a low number of monocytes.

The condition causes an enlarged spleen and a predisposition to infections.

These tests can include:

Depending on results, specialist care and testing may be needed.

This includes chemotherapy, a bloodstream infection, or a bone marrow disorder.

The condition is diagnosed with a CBC and other tests that may be needed to identify the cause.

Treatment includes managing complications, treating the underlying condition, and preventing infections.

National Cancer Institute.Lab Tests.

2023 Mar;58:101012. doi:10.1016/j.blre.2022.101012

Merck Manual.Monocyte Disorders.

2019;15(8):857-867. doi:10.1080/1744666X.2019.1641405

NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center.Monocytopenia with susceptibility to infections.