Which leukocyte is primarily responsible for fighting viral infections?

Lymphocytes are the primary leukocytes responsible for combating viral infections. There are two main types of lymphocytes involved in this process: B cells and T cells. B cells produce antibodies that specifically target viruses, neutralizing them and marking them for destruction. T cells, particularly cytotoxic T cells, directly attack and destroy virus-infected cells. This targeted immune response is crucial for effectively managing and eliminating viral infections from the body.

In the context of the other leukocytes listed: neutrophils are more effective against bacterial infections and respond quickly to sites of infection, but they are not specialized for viral pathogens. Monocytes can differentiate into macrophages that play a role in immune defense but are not primarily responsible for directly targeting viruses. Eosinophils are primarily associated with combating parasitic infections and play a significant role in allergic responses, not viral infections. Thus, lymphocytes are specifically adapted to recognize and respond to viral pathogens, making them the key players in the immune response to viruses.