Question

Which disease occurs due to Rh incompatibility?
A)Sickle cell anaemia
B)Thalassemia
C)Erythroblastosis fetalis
D)Haemophilia

Answer 1

Rh factor is a type of protein located on the outside of red blood cells, also called Rhesus factor. Genetically inherited, the protein is (passed down from your parents). You are Rh-positive if you have the protein. You are Rh-negative if you have not inherited the protein.

Complete answer:
When a pregnant woman whose blood type is Rh-negative is exposed to Rh-positive blood from her fetus, Rh incompatibility occurs, leading to the development of Rh antibodies by the mother. These antibodies will cross the placenta and bind to fetal red blood cells, resulting in hemolysis or red blood cell destruction of the fetus. This causes the fetus to become anemic, which can contribute to the baby's hemolytic disease.
Erythroblastosis fetalis, also known as newborn hemolytic disease, is a type of anemia in which a fetus' red blood cells (erythrocytes) are killed by a maternal immune reaction resulting from an incompatibility of the blood group between the fetus and the mother.

Let us analyze the options to find out the correct option.

Option A: Sickle cell anemia is a genetically inherited disorder in which RBCS become misshapen and cannot carry oxygen throughout the body. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option B: Thalassemia is also an inherited blood disorder that causes the body to have less haemoglobin than usual. Therefore, this is an incorrect option.

Option C: Erythroblastosis foetalis occurs due to Rh incompatibility. Therefore, this is the correct option.

Option D: Haemophilia is an incorrect option.

Hence, the correct answer is option (C)

Note: 1)The symptoms of this disorder include anemia, jaundice, enlargement of liver and spleen and in extreme cases, death of foetus.
2)The risk of the disease developing in subsequent Rh-positive pregnancies increases as Rh sensitivity is likely to develop during labor.