IAT IISER2026BiologyBody Fluids and Circulation
In which one of the following cases, will an anti-Rh antibody treatment prevent erythroblastosis foetalis ?
Options
- AAnti-Rh antibody to the Rh-negative mother after delivery of the first Rh-positive child
- BAnti-Rh antibody to the Rh-negative mother after delivery of the first Rh-negative child
- CAnti-Rh antibody to the Rh-positive mother after delivery of the first Rh-negative child
- DAnti-Rh antibody to the Rh-positive mother after delivery of the first Rh-positive child
Correct answer
A. Anti-Rh antibody to the Rh-negative mother after delivery of the first Rh-positive child
Step-by-step solution
Erythroblastosis foetalis is a condition that occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus. During the delivery of the first Rh-positive child, there is a possibility of exposure of the maternal blood to small amounts of the Rh-positive blood from the fetus. This exposure can induce the mother's immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies. If she subsequently becomes pregnant with another Rh-positive fetus, these maternal anti-Rh antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy the fetal red blood ce