Why are persons with leukemia more susceptible to diseases?

Individuals with leukemia are more susceptible to diseases primarily because their leukemic white cells are not functional. Leukemia is characterized by an abnormal increase in immature white blood cells, which do not effectively combat infections. Normally, white blood cells are a crucial part of the immune system, helping the body to fight off pathogens like bacteria and viruses. However, in leukemia, these cells are often dysfunctional, which compromises the immune response and leaves the individual vulnerable to infections.

While having fewer red blood cells can lead to anemia and associated symptoms, it does not directly correlate with increased susceptibility to infectious diseases in the same manner as ineffective white blood cells. Pain is a common symptom related to various leukemia types and treatment side effects, but it does not inherently increase susceptibility to disease. Additionally, although the immune system can be affected, the production of antibodies is not typically increased in leukemia, and the main issue lies with the functionality of the white blood cells. Hence, the primary reason for this increased susceptibility is linked to the presence of non-functional leukemic cells.