Which type of white blood cell is NOT typically involved in the response to parasitic infections?

Prepare for your NCCAOM Biomedicine Board Exam. Study with real-world questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and pass the test!

The type of white blood cell that is not typically involved in the response to parasitic infections is neutrophils. This is due to the specific roles different white blood cells play in the immune response.

Eosinophils are particularly important in combating parasitic infections, especially those due to helminths (worms). They can release cytotoxic granules that are effective against larger pathogens and play a significant role in allergy and asthma responses as well.

Basophils also contribute to the immune response against parasites through their release of histamine and other mediators that promote inflammation, assisting in the body's response to allergens and parasites.

Lymphocytes, especially the T and B cells, are crucial for adaptive immunity and can also be involved in the response to parasitic infections, with certain subclasses of T cells directly targeting infected cells.

In contrast, neutrophils are primarily involved in the response to bacterial infections and acute inflammatory responses. They are one of the first responders to sites of infection but are less effective against larger parasites, where the mechanisms of eosinophils and other cells are more advantageous. Thus, neutrophils are not a primary player in addressing parasitic infections.

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