Autoimmunity: practice question

A Pathology question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Pathology · Autoimmunity

Sample item

What autoantibody is highly specific for systemic lupus erythematosus but not highly sensitive?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Anti-Smith antibody

Anti-Smith antibodies are relatively specific for SLE, although many patients with SLE do not have them, limiting sensitivity.

Option by option

  • A. Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody

    TPO antibodies support autoimmune thyroid disease.

  • B. Anti-mitochondrial antibody

    Mitochondrial antibodies suggest primary biliary cholangitis.

  • C. Anti-centromere antibody

    Centromere antibodies occur in limited scleroderma.

  • D. Anti-Smith antibody (correct)

    Correct: anti-Smith is specific but less sensitive.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

More Pathology questions

Questions about this Pathology question

What is the answer to this Pathology question?

The best answer is D, Anti-Smith antibody. Anti-Smith antibodies are relatively specific for SLE, although many patients with SLE do not have them, limiting sensitivity.

Why is "Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody" not the answer?

TPO antibodies support autoimmune thyroid disease.

Why is "Anti-mitochondrial antibody" not the answer?

Mitochondrial antibodies suggest primary biliary cholangitis.

Why is "Anti-centromere antibody" not the answer?

Centromere antibodies occur in limited scleroderma.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Autoimmunity in Pathology. The correct option holds because: Correct: anti-Smith is specific but less sensitive.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Autoimmunity?

Learn each disease as a bundle: cause, key histology, markers, and the clinical hallmark. Then use the flashcards and the other Pathology questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.