In a patient with a bacterial infection, ABO testing shows polyagglutination. Which statement best describes this finding?

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Multiple Choice

In a patient with a bacterial infection, ABO testing shows polyagglutination. Which statement best describes this finding?

Polyagglutination from T receptor activity occurs when bacterial neuraminidase exposes the Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen on red cells. The T antigen is normally hidden by sialic acid, so its exposure causes broad, non-specific agglutination with many typing reagents. Using a lectin panel helps confirm this mechanism because specific lectins bind to the exposed T antigen, producing a recognizable pattern that distinguishes T-activation polyagglutination from normal ABO expression or other causes. This finding reflects bacterial modification of the red cell surface rather than true anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

Polyagglutination from T receptor activity occurs when bacterial neuraminidase exposes the Thomsen-Friedenreich (T) antigen on red cells. The T antigen is normally hidden by sialic acid, so its exposure causes broad, non-specific agglutination with many typing reagents. Using a lectin panel helps confirm this mechanism because specific lectins bind to the exposed T antigen, producing a recognizable pattern that distinguishes T-activation polyagglutination from normal ABO expression or other causes. This finding reflects bacterial modification of the red cell surface rather than true anti-A or anti-B antibodies.

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