What is a neutrophil disorder?

A neutrophil is a type of white blood cell, one of the chief cells that fight infection. Neutrophils are made in the bone marrow and circulate in the bloodstream wherever they are needed.

Normally, a serious bacterial infection causes the body to produce an increased number of neutrophils, resulting in a higher than normal white blood cell count. But, if there is a disorder in the neutrophil — in their makeup or number — they can’t do their job. Neutrophil disorders include neutropenia, Shwachman-Diamond syndrome and cyclic neutropenia.