low white cells in presumed UTI
Last reviewed 01/2018
A low white cell count does not necessarily suggest a urinary tract is unlikely. This could be a result of:
- previous antibiotic therapy
- infection with an organism such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- a low number of white cells may be present if symptoms are caused by a non-infective aetiology eg a stone, non-specific urethral trauma from sexual intercourse - honeymoon cystitis