Which white blood cells increase in response to parasitic infections?

Eosinophils play a crucial role in the body's immune response to parasitic infections. These white blood cells are particularly adept at responding to larger parasites, such as helminths (worms), as well as in allergic reactions. When a parasitic infection occurs, the body signals the bone marrow to produce more eosinophils, which then travel to the site of infection. Eosinophils contain granules filled with cytotoxic proteins that can damage the parasites, as well as mediators that can help regulate inflammation and enhance the immune response. Their numbers increase significantly during infections caused by parasites, making them key players in the immune response during such events. This specialized response helps the body effectively combat these types of infections.

Other types of white blood cells, while important for different aspects of immunity, do not have the same level of association with parasitic infections as eosinophils do. Neutrophils primarily respond to bacterial infections, lymphocytes are primarily involved in viral responses and adaptive immunity, and basophils are involved in allergic reactions and do not specifically target parasites. This specificity reinforces the importance of eosinophils in the context of parasitic infections.