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Biochemistry · Reactive oxygen species: chronic granulomatous disease
Sample itemA child has recurrent catalase-positive bacterial and fungal infections due to defective neutrophil respiratory burst. Which enzyme is deficient?
Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.
The answer and the reasoning
B. NADPH oxidase
Chronic granulomatous disease results from NADPH oxidase deficiency, preventing superoxide generation in phagocytes. Catalase-positive organisms can survive because they do not provide sufficient hydrogen peroxide for killing.
Option by option
A. Glucose-6-phosphatase
Glucose-6-phosphatase deficiency causes von Gierke disease.
B. NADPH oxidase (correct)
Correct. NADPH oxidase initiates the respiratory burst.
C. Catalase
Catalase is produced by microbes and host tissues, not the defective enzyme here.
D. Myeloperoxidase
Myeloperoxidase deficiency is usually milder and leaves superoxide generation intact.
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.
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