Parasites interact with different B cell compartments triggering, in most cases, a vigorous antibody response.
Unfortunately, this response is not necessarily protective; indeed, it can be harmful for the host. In this chapter we
describe how protozoan parasites and helminths induce mature B cell responses and how B cells influence the
characteristics of T cell response involved in parasite control. To protect themselves, the parasites develop unique ways to
evade B cell responses, including changes in their antigenic coat and induction of immunosuppression and apoptosis of B
cells. We discuss how parasites elude B cell immunity establishing a favourable balance that drives the infection to
chronicity.
