Which type of white blood cells are often linked to parasitic infections?

Eosinophils are a type of white blood cell that play a crucial role in the body's immune response, especially in fighting off parasitic infections. They are characterized by their ability to respond to larger parasites that are too big to be phagocytized by other immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages. When a parasitic infection occurs, eosinophils are often recruited to the site of infection, where they release cytotoxic granules that contain enzymes and proteins specifically effective against parasites.

In addition to their role in combating parasites, eosinophils also participate in allergic reactions and asthma. Their elevated levels in the bloodstream or tissues can indicate an ongoing parasitic infection or an allergic response. Hence, they are a key indicator in diagnostic tests related to parasitic diseases.

The other types of white blood cells mentioned serve different functions; for instance, neutrophils are primarily involved in bacterial infections, B cells are crucial for the adaptive immune response and antibody production, and basophils play a role in inflammatory responses and allergic reactions. Eosinophils, however, are specifically tailored to respond to parasitic threats, making them the correct choice in this context.