One of the main purposes of a fever in non-specific defense is to increase what?

A fever plays a significant role in the body's non-specific defense mechanisms, primarily to enhance the efficacy of the immune response. One of the main purposes of increasing body temperature during a fever is to boost the proliferation and activity of white blood cells (WBCs). Elevated temperatures can create an environment that is less favorable for pathogens and stimulate the function and multiplication of immune cells, including lymphocytes and phagocytes. This heightened activity enhances the body's ability to fight off infections.

Additionally, fever can enhance the effects of other immune system components, increase the production of certain cytokines, and facilitate the mobilization of key immune cells to infection sites, all of which are crucial for combating pathogens effectively. This is why increasing WBC proliferation is a primary benefit of having a fever.