Which of the following acute phase reactants can reduce levels of nutritional iron available for bacterial uptake?
I. Haptoglobin
II. Ceruloplasmin
III. C-reactive protein (CRP)
A) I only
B) III only
C) I and II
D) II and III
E) I, II, and III

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

CRP is a proinflammatory molecule that does not interfere with iron metabolism by the host or pathogen. Haptoglobin binds free hemoglobin and prevents iron uptake. Ceruloplasmin oxidizes iron so that it is not in a useful form for the pathogen. Therefore, both render the iron unavailable for bacteria to take up and use for nutritional purposes.

Which of the Following Acute Phase Reactants Can Reduce Levels