Which of the following types of anemia is characterized by a defect in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, leading to a deficiency of CD55 and CD59 on red blood cells?

A Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria ✓
B Hereditary spherocytosis
C Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
D Sickle cell anemia

Explanation

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria is a rare type of anemia characterized by a defect in the glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor, leading to a deficiency of CD55 and CD59 on red blood cells, which makes them more susceptible to complement-mediated lysis.

Source

Williams Hematology
Hematology Hematology: Anemia Hematology: Anemia Hard MEDICAL Confidence: high