ASCP Immunology and Serology 3

Question 1

Which test is the gold standard for confirming Lyme disease seropositivity after a positive ELISA?

Accepted Answer

Western blot (IgM and IgG bands to B. burgdorferi proteins)

Answer

PCR for Borrelia DNA

Answer

Culture of skin biopsy

Answer

Urine antigen test

Question 2

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant synthesized primarily by which organ?

Accepted Answer

Liver

Answer

Spleen

Answer

Kidney

Answer

Bone marrow

Question 3

A patient with recurrent Neisseria infections (meningitis, gonorrhea) likely has a deficiency in:

Accepted Answer

Terminal complement components (C5–C9, MAC)

Answer

IgA deficiency

Answer

Neutrophil function

Answer

T-cell deficiency

Question 4

Serum protein electrophoresis showing an M-spike in the gamma region indicates:

Accepted Answer

Monoclonal gammopathy (myeloma or MGUS)

Answer

Polyclonal hypergammaglobulinemia from chronic infection

Answer

IgA deficiency

Answer

Albumin elevation

Question 5

The latex agglutination test for cryptococcal antigen in CSF detects:

Accepted Answer

Cryptococcal polysaccharide capsular antigen

Answer

Antibodies against Cryptococcus

Answer

Fungal beta-glucan

Answer

Galactomannan antigen

Question 6

Which immunological mechanism underlies type I hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis)?

Accepted Answer

IgE bound to mast cells and basophils triggering mediator release

Answer

IgG antibody-antigen complexes activating complement

Answer

Cytotoxic T-cell killing of target cells

Answer

T-helper cell activation of macrophages