Approximately one month upon return from a river rafting trip in South America,a college student develops a fever accompanied by chills,muscle aches,and abdominal discomfort.After being examined by physicians at the university health center,the student is referred to an infectious disease specialist where a diagnosis of schistosomiasis is made.Schistosoma is a helminth that contaminates freshwater in areas that lack proper sanitation,and often leads to infection when the water is used for swimming or bathing.In this case,bloodwork from the student would most likely reveal an elevation in which of the following cells?

Question

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Eosinophils are a type of white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response against parasites, including helminths like Schistosoma. An elevation in eosinophil count would be expected in patients with schistosomiasis. Basophils and platelets are not typically elevated in this condition, while an increase in erythrocytes would indicate polycythemia, which is not associated with schistosomiasis.

Approximately One Month Upon Return from a River Rafting Trip