An Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn. Which hypersensitivity mechanism is responsible for this condition?
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Correct answer: Type II (Antibody-mediated)
Hemolytic disease of the newborn is a Type II hypersensitivity reaction where maternal IgG antibodies cross the placenta and target antigens on fetal red blood cells. This leads to opsonization and phagocytosis or lysis of the RBCs.
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