OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

Which of the following are indicative of an abnormal production of antibody?

1. a. autoimmune disease

2. b. agammaglobulinemia

3. c. AIDS

4. d. all of the above

The correct answer is: a. autoimmune disease

The correct choice is that all the provided options—autoimmune disease, agammaglobulinemia, and AIDS—are indicative of abnormal antibody production. Autoimmune diseases involve the immune system mistakenly attacking the body's own tissues, leading to the production of antibodies against self-antigens. This inappropriate antibody production can result in various inflammatory responses and tissue damage. Agammaglobulinemia refers to a condition where the body fails to produce sufficient antibodies, leading to increased susceptibility to infections. This deficiency in antibody production is a clear example of an abnormal immune response. AIDS, caused by the HIV virus, disrupts the immune system and can lead to a significantly reduced capacity for antibody production, along with other immune dysfunctions. The virus specifically targets CD4+ T cells, which assist in the antibody production process, resulting in abnormal levels of antibodies. Thus, each of the conditions listed reflects some aspect of abnormal antibody production, making the option that encompasses all of these relevant scenarios the most accurate choice.