Question

Which ethnic group generally demonstrates lymphocytosis, but an absolute leukopenia due to neutropenia?

Answer 1

Neutropenia is defined as a condition where absolute neutrophil count of an individual is less than 1.5×109/L. It is important for two reasons. Firstly, it may indicate an underlying systemic or haematological disease. Secondly, it reflects an increased risk of life threatening bacterial infection.

Sometimes neutropenia may be seen in individuals of other ethnic groups who are otherwise healthy and who do not have repeated or severe infections, the condition may be referred to as benign ethnic neutropenia. This condition is commonly seen in people of African descent. Approximately 25% to 50% of Africans and some ethnic groups in the Middle East have benign ethnic neutropenia, with low leukocyte and neutrophil counts.

This condition is however not serious as many individuals of this ethnic group have consistently maintained low absolute neutrophil counts without evidence of increased susceptibility to infection or any other adverse effect. The important determination is not how many neutrophils are present in the peripheral blood, but whether the bone marrow is able to produce enough normally functioning cells when needed.

So even those there may be lymphocytosis this this group they demonstrate absolute leucopenia due to neutropenia
Other ethinic groups that exhibit Benign hereditary leukopenia-neutropenia include Yemenite Jews, West Indians and Arab Jordanians.