Eosinophils are primarily involved in which type of infections?

Eosinophils play a crucial role in the immune response, particularly in the defense against parasitic infections, especially those caused by helminths (parasitic worms). These white blood cells are characterized by their ability to engulf and kill larger parasites that are too big for phagocytic cells like neutrophils and macrophages to manage.

When the body detects a helminth infection, eosinophils are recruited to the site of infection where they release granules containing toxic proteins and cytotoxic molecules that can damage the membranes of the parasites, leading to their destruction. Furthermore, eosinophils are involved in modulating allergic responses and asthma, but their primary function in the context of infections is related to targeting larger parasites.

While eosinophils may have some involvement in response to other types of pathogens such as certain fungal infections or in allergic reactions, their predominant and most significant role is indeed related to combating parasitic worm infections. This specificity is crucial for understanding their mechanism of action in the immune system and highlights their importance in addressing specific types of infections effectively.