Does HIV cause a low white blood cell count?

HIV can cause patients to experience low white blood cell counts, states PDR Health. Patients with HIV often have issues with low leukocytes and low neutrophils, both of which are white blood cells.

HIV is a serious condition that may cause low red blood cell counts, low white blood cell counts and low platelet counts, states PDR Health. Low red blood cell counts can lead to anemia, which can lead to organ damage and heart failure. Low white blood cell counts may put a patient at risk for developing infections. A low platelet count affects a patient's ability to form blood clots and increases the risk of bruising.