Spherocytosis is a common cause of inherited hemolytic anemia. The most likely cause for spherocytosis is

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Defects in the peripheral proteins. Spherocytosis is characterized by spherical-shaped red blood cells due to defects in the peripheral proteins of the cell membrane, such as spectrin or ankyrin. This results in decreased membrane stability and fragility, leading to hemolysis. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Choice A is not the most likely cause as spherocytosis is primarily due to defects in peripheral proteins, not integral proteins. Choice C is incorrect as "ropalux" is not a known factor in spherocytosis. Choice D is incorrect as sickle-shaped cells are characteristic of sickle cell anemia, not spherocytosis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chronic myelocytic leukemia. This is suggested by the presence of increased numbers of neutrophils, band cells, metamyelocytes, and myelocytes in the peripheral blood smear, which are characteristic of chronic myeloid leukemia. Basophils and eosinophils are also increased in CML. Platelets may be increased due to reactive thrombocytosis. Acute myeloid leukemia (A) typically presents with more blasts in the peripheral blood. Acute lymphoid leukemia (B) would show lymphoblasts instead of myeloid cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (D) is characterized by an increase in mature lymphocytes, not myeloid cells.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Phlebotomus species. Phlebotomus species are the main vectors of visceral leishmaniasis in the Asian region. These sandfly species are known to transmit the Leishmania parasite, which causes the disease. Phlebotomus species are prevalent in the Asian region and have been identified through various studies as the primary vector for visceral leishmaniasis transmission. Summary of why other choices are incorrect: B: Lutzomyia species are primarily found in the Americas and are the main vectors for leishmaniasis in that region. C: Anopheles species are known to transmit malaria, not visceral leishmaniasis. D: Mansonia species are primarily associated with transmitting diseases such as filariasis and dengue fever, not visceral leishmaniasis in the Asian region.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: vasculitis. Thalassemia major is a genetic blood disorder that causes anemia. Vasculitis, inflammation of blood vessels, is not a common cause of abdominal pain in thalassemia. Splenic infarction, dragging pain at huge splenomegaly, and pigment stones in the gall bladder are associated with thalassemia major due to complications such as splenomegaly and increased bilirubin levels, leading to abdominal pain. Vasculitis is not typically seen in thalassemia major patients, making it the exception among the choices.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: chronic phenytoin therapy. Phenytoin is an antiepileptic medication known to cause gum overgrowth (gingival hyperplasia), leading to swollen and enlarged gums, but not gum bleeding. Choices B, C, and D all involve conditions that are associated with gum bleeding. Aplastic anemia (B) is a blood disorder that can cause low platelet count and increased risk of bleeding. Scurvy (C) is a condition caused by vitamin C deficiency, leading to weakened blood vessels and gum bleeding. Haemophilia (D) is a genetic disorder that impairs blood clotting, resulting in excessive bleeding, including gum bleeding.