Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CIC Practice Questions and Study Guide

Eosinophils play a critical role in the immune response against parasitic infections. These white blood cells are specifically involved in combating multicellular parasites, such as helminths (worms). When the body encounters a parasitic infection, eosinophils are mobilized and their levels increase as they are stimulated by various cytokines and immune signals in response to the presence of the parasites.

Eosinophils function by releasing cytotoxic granules that can damage parasites and produce inflammatory mediators that help recruit other cells to the site of infection, thereby enhancing the overall immune response. Their increase during parasitic infections is a hallmark of the body’s effort to eradicate these pathogens, distinguishing them from other types of white blood cells that may respond to different types of infections, such as bacterial or viral.

This understanding is essential in the field of infection prevention and control, as recognizing the elevation of eosinophils can provide insights into potential parasitic infections and guide further diagnostic and treatment approaches.