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Question #46540
The Question
A patient is administered preformed antibodies (anti-tetanus serum) following a severe injury. Two weeks later, an indirect ELISA test of the patient's serum shows a positive result for anti-tetanus antibodies. Based on the principles of immunology, which of the following is the most accurate conclusion regarding the patient's immunological status?
Options
- A.
The patient has acquired active immunity, and any subsequent exposure to the tetanus pathogen will elicit a highly intensified secondary immune response.
- B.
The positive result confirms the presence of circulating immunoglobulins, but the patient lacks memory B-cell clones for long-term protection.
- C.
The patient's cell-mediated immune system has successfully recognized the antigen and synthesized endogenous antibodies against tetanus.
- D.
The ELISA result is a false positive because enzyme-linked assays can only detect endogenous antibodies synthesized by the host's own plasma cells.
Check Your Answer
Correct Answer
Step-by-Step Solution
Explanation
How the Examiner Thinks
Regulatory_Failure
Understand how NOT, EXCEPT, and logical constraints are used to manipulate exam results.
Concepts Behind This Question
ELISA|Active Immunity|Antigen-Antibody
Why This Question Is Tricky
Common Mistakes
Conceptual Pivot: Students often conflate 'seropositivity' (having antibodies present in the blood) with 'active immunity' (having memory B-cells).
The trap relies on the assumption that a positive ELISA test guarantees long-term immunological memory, failing to account for the transient nature of passively acquired exogenous antibodies.
Quick Facts About This Question
Question Information
| Subject | Biology |
| Chapter | Human Health and Disease - Class 12 |
| Concept | ELISA Logic |
| Difficulty | 8 |
| Cognitive Load | 5 |
| Target Solve Time | 120 sec |
| Access | Free |