Which statement about enzyme effects on Duffy antibodies is true?

Which statement about enzyme effects on Duffy antibodies is true?

• A. Enzymes prevent detection of Duffy antibodies.
• B. Enzymes enhance detection of Duffy antibodies.
• C. Enzymes have no effect on Duffy antibodies.
• D. Enzymes destroy Duffy antibodies directly.

Answer: (A)

Enzymes digest or alter certain red cell surface proteins, and the Duffy antigens (Fy(a) and Fy(b)) are particularly sensitive to this proteolysis. When these antigens are destroyed by enzyme treatment, antibodies directed against them have nothing to bind to in the test, so their presence isn’t detected. That’s why enzyme-treated red cells can mask anti-Duffy antibodies, making detection fail. In practice, this means testing with untreated cells (or using methods that preserve antigen expression) is important when anti-Duffy antibodies are suspected.

Enzymes digest or alter certain red cell surface proteins, and the Duffy antigens (Fy(a) and Fy(b)) are particularly sensitive to this proteolysis. When these antigens are destroyed by enzyme treatment, antibodies directed against them have nothing to bind to in the test, so their presence isn’t detected. That’s why enzyme-treated red cells can mask anti-Duffy antibodies, making detection fail. In practice, this means testing with untreated cells (or using methods that preserve antigen expression) is important when anti-Duffy antibodies are suspected.