Which Fy phenotype corresponds to Fy(a-b-)?

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Multiple Choice

Which Fy phenotype corresponds to Fy(a-b-)?

Explanation:
Fy antigens are part of the Duffy system, with Fy a and Fy b on red cells. Fy(a-b-) means neither Fy a nor Fy b is expressed on the cell surface, so the red cells test negative for both Duffy antigens. This occurs when erythroid expression of the FY gene is silenced, commonly due to promoter changes such as the FY*BES allele, while some expression may remain in other tissues. In transfusion practice, this phenotype is notable in certain populations and can affect susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax, which uses the Duffy antigen to invade red cells. Therefore, the description that the red cells lack both Fy a and Fy b matches Fy(a-b-).

Fy antigens are part of the Duffy system, with Fy a and Fy b on red cells. Fy(a-b-) means neither Fy a nor Fy b is expressed on the cell surface, so the red cells test negative for both Duffy antigens. This occurs when erythroid expression of the FY gene is silenced, commonly due to promoter changes such as the FY*BES allele, while some expression may remain in other tissues. In transfusion practice, this phenotype is notable in certain populations and can affect susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax, which uses the Duffy antigen to invade red cells. Therefore, the description that the red cells lack both Fy a and Fy b matches Fy(a-b-).

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