Which condition is associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to complement deficiencies?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections. Complement deficiencies impair the body's ability to fight bacterial infections, particularly encapsulated bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Asthma (A), SLE (B), and chronic hepatitis (D) are not directly associated with increased susceptibility to bacterial infections due to complement deficiencies. Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, SLE is an autoimmune disease, and chronic hepatitis affects the liver. Therefore, only Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are directly linked to complement deficiencies.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: IgE. IgE is the antibody isotype involved in allergic reactions. It binds to allergens and triggers the release of histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic symptoms. IgG (choice A) is involved in long-term immunity, IgM (choice B) is the first antibody produced in response to an infection, and IgA (choice C) is mainly found in mucosal areas and helps prevent pathogens from entering the body. IgE is specifically associated with allergic responses due to its role in triggering the release of inflammatory mediators in response to allergens.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because lymphocytes are activated in adaptive immunity by recognizing their specific antigen. This recognition is crucial for initiating an immune response tailored to combat a specific pathogen. Phagocytosis (A) is the process of engulfing and destroying pathogens, but it does not directly activate lymphocytes. Cytokine release by macrophages (C) can help in activating other immune cells, but lymphocytes specifically require antigen recognition for activation. Opsonization of pathogens (D) enhances phagocytosis but is not the direct trigger for lymphocyte activation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: IgG. In the secondary immune response, IgG antibodies predominate due to memory B cells rapidly producing them upon re-exposure to the same antigen. IgG provides long-lasting immunity and is more efficient in neutralizing pathogens. IgM (A) is the primary antibody in the initial immune response. IgE (B) is involved in allergic reactions. IgD (D) functions as a receptor on B cells.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Mast cells. Mast cells play a central role in Type I hypersensitivity reactions by releasing histamine, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators in response to allergens. This triggers the allergic response. Neutrophils (A), Macrophages (C), and Dendritic cells (D) are not central to Type I hypersensitivity reactions. Neutrophils are involved in acute inflammation, macrophages play a role in phagocytosis and antigen presentation, and dendritic cells are important in initiating adaptive immune responses.