In parasitic infections, there will be a high count of which cells?

In parasitic infections, there will be a high count of which cells?

• A. Basophils
• B. Erythrocytes
• C. Lymphocytes
• D. Eosinophils

Answer: (D)

Parasites, especially helminths, provoke a Th2-skewed immune response that boosts eosinophil production and recruitment. Eosinophils are equipped to attack parasites by releasing toxic granule proteins (like major basic protein) and by mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity when parasites are coated with IgE. This results in eosinophilia, a classic finding in many parasitic infections. Basophils are more tied to allergic responses and histamine release, not a marked increase in parasite infections. Erythrocytes are red blood cells and don’t reflect this immune response, and lymphocytes can vary but aren’t the hallmark change for parasites. Thus, the high count you’d expect here is eosinophils.

Parasites, especially helminths, provoke a Th2-skewed immune response that boosts eosinophil production and recruitment. Eosinophils are equipped to attack parasites by releasing toxic granule proteins (like major basic protein) and by mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity when parasites are coated with IgE. This results in eosinophilia, a classic finding in many parasitic infections. Basophils are more tied to allergic responses and histamine release, not a marked increase in parasite infections. Erythrocytes are red blood cells and don’t reflect this immune response, and lymphocytes can vary but aren’t the hallmark change for parasites. Thus, the high count you’d expect here is eosinophils.