Placental malaria induces which response in the fetus?

Study for the Introduction to Parasitology Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam thoroughly!

Multiple Choice

Placental malaria induces which response in the fetus?

Explanation:
Placental malaria exposes the fetal circulation to malaria antigens, which can stimulate the fetus’s own immune system. Even though the fetal immune system is immature, it can respond by producing malaria-specific IgM in cord blood, and by cellular immune activity. Since IgM does not cross the placenta, the presence of malaria-specific IgM in the newborn indicates a fetal, not just maternal, immune response. Maternal immunity would be reflected in antibodies in the mother, not a fetal antibody in the newborn. Placental hemorrhage and fetal anemia are important complications of placental malaria but do not represent a direct fetal immune response to malaria.

Placental malaria exposes the fetal circulation to malaria antigens, which can stimulate the fetus’s own immune system. Even though the fetal immune system is immature, it can respond by producing malaria-specific IgM in cord blood, and by cellular immune activity. Since IgM does not cross the placenta, the presence of malaria-specific IgM in the newborn indicates a fetal, not just maternal, immune response. Maternal immunity would be reflected in antibodies in the mother, not a fetal antibody in the newborn. Placental hemorrhage and fetal anemia are important complications of placental malaria but do not represent a direct fetal immune response to malaria.

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