Staph Infection & White Blood Cell Count: Understanding the Connection

In most cases, a staph infection causes an elevated white blood cell count as the body's immune system responds to the infection. However, in some rare cases, a staph infection can cause a low white blood cell count. This is more likely to occur in people who are immunocompromised or have a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, or certain medications.

A low white blood cell count can increase the risk of developing a severe infection, so it's important to see a doctor if you have a staph infection and a low white blood cell count. Treatment for a staph infection typically involves antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the infected tissue.