A 20-year-old male has experienced repeated episodes of sore throat over the past two years. His total white blood cell count is 1000/µL, and differential count shows profound neutropenia. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Leukemia with low white blood cell countViral infection causing mononucleosisAgranulocytosisAnemia with immature white and red blood cellsChronic bacterial pharyngitis

Explanation

The patient's recurrent sore throat combined with a very low total leukocyte count and severe neutropenia indicates agranulocytosis, a condition characterized by a marked reduction in granulocytes, especially neutrophils. This differentiates it from subleukemic leukemia, infectious mononucleosis, and leukoerythroblastic anemia.