Although Benign Ethnic Neutropenia (BEN) is not always discussed in MLS hematology textbooks, it is one of the most common causes of chronic neutropenia in the world. It is particularly prevalent in people of African, Middle Eastern, and Indian descent. Approximately 4.5% of African Americans have this condition, while an estimated 25-40% of Africans have it. It is also seen in about 11% of Arabs and Yemenite Jews and 15% of Black Ethiopian Jews. Less than 1% of people with European ancestry have it.
The disease is technically defined as having a persistent absolute neutrophil count of less than 1.5 x 103μL with a usual range of 1.0 -1.5 x 103/μL and without any symptoms of infection or other blood or immunological disorders typically found in the ethnic groups mentioned above. Pediatric populations can have counts between 0.5 -1.0 x 103/μL and be asymptomatic.
Interestingly, people with BEN often have lower rates of hypertension, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders than the average person and fewer trips to the emergency department.
In some cases, especially if there could be some accompanying symptoms, a differential diagnosis must be established.
