Author Question: Explain why infections with Clostridium perfringens lead to hemolysis of the RBCs. What will be ... (Read 71 times)

itsmyluck

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 546
Explain why infections with Clostridium perfringens lead to hemolysis of the RBCs.
 
  What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Describe the mechanism that causes the production of schistocytes in microangiopathic hemolytic anemia.
 
  What will be an ideal response?



choc0chan

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 362
Answer to Question 1

Answer: C. perfringens releases an endotoxin (alpha toxin) that alters the sphingomyelin and lecithin in the erythrocyte membrane. This alters the integrity of the erythrocyte membrane and leads to hemolysis.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Erythrocyte damage is usually the result of some type of physical damage resulting in fragmentation of the membrane. As the damage occurs, the erythrocyte membrane is sliced open and then seals itself. As it seals, abnormal shapes formed, referred to as schistocytes, can form. In MAHA, the damage to the endothelial lining of blood vessels can result in deposits of fibrin within the vessels. As erythrocytes pass thru the fibrin web, the membranes are fragmented.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
 

Did you know?

Hip fractures are the most serious consequences of osteoporosis. The incidence of hip fractures increases with each decade among patients in their 60s to patients in their 90s for both women and men of all populations. Men and women older than 80 years of age show the highest incidence of hip fractures.

Did you know?

There are approximately 3 million unintended pregnancies in the United States each year.

Did you know?

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA was discovered in 1961 in the United Kingdom. It if often referred to as a superbug. MRSA infections cause more deaths in the United States every year than AIDS.

Methicilli ...
Did you know?

Fewer than 10% of babies are born on their exact due dates, 50% are born within 1 week of the due date, and 90% are born within 2 weeks of the date.

Did you know?

Each year in the United States, there are approximately six million pregnancies. This means that at any one time, about 4% of women in the United States are pregnant.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library