In term newborns, detection of which antibody indicates the infant's own immune production rather than maternal transfer?

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Study for the Success! In Clinical Laboratory Science – Immunology Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

In term newborns, detection of which antibody indicates the infant's own immune production rather than maternal transfer?

Explanation:
The key concept is how antibodies are transferred and produced. IgG crosses the placenta from mother to fetus, so antibodies detected in a newborn could be maternal in origin. IgM, however, is too large to cross the placental barrier, so its presence in a term newborn means the infant has started producing antibody on its own. Therefore, detecting IgM indicates the infant’s own immune response, such as to infection. IgA is mainly secreted in mucous and largely comes from breast milk rather than representing systemic infant production, and IgE transfer is minimal.

The key concept is how antibodies are transferred and produced. IgG crosses the placenta from mother to fetus, so antibodies detected in a newborn could be maternal in origin. IgM, however, is too large to cross the placental barrier, so its presence in a term newborn means the infant has started producing antibody on its own. Therefore, detecting IgM indicates the infant’s own immune response, such as to infection. IgA is mainly secreted in mucous and largely comes from breast milk rather than representing systemic infant production, and IgE transfer is minimal.

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