What is the term for a decrease in disease-fighting white blood cells in the bloodstream?

The term for a decrease in disease-fighting white blood cells in the bloodstream is leukopenia. This condition occurs when the body has a lower-than-normal number of leukocytes, or white blood cells, which are crucial for the immune system's ability to fight off infections and diseases. A reduction in these cells can lead to increased susceptibility to infections and can be caused by various factors, including certain medications, autoimmune diseases, or bone marrow disorders.

Understanding leukopenia is essential for recognizing how the immune system functions and how deficiencies can impact overall health. The other terms in the choices refer to different medical conditions: hemolysis relates to the destruction of red blood cells, myelopathy refers to a disorder of the spinal cord, and anemia is a decrease in red blood cells or hemoglobin rather than white blood cells. Each term is specific to distinct physiological processes, highlighting the importance of precise terminology in medical contexts.