Skip to main content
Ch. 18 - Immune Disorders
Bauman - Microbiology with Diseases by Taxonomy 6th Edition
Bauman6th EditionMicrobiology with Diseases by TaxonomyISBN: 9780134832302Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 18, Problem 2

Why is a child born to an Rh+ mother not susceptible to Rh-related hemolytic disease of the newborn?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the Rh blood group system: The Rh factor is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells. Individuals who have this protein are Rh-positive (Rh+), and those who lack it are Rh-negative (Rh-).
Recognize the cause of Rh-related hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN): This condition typically occurs when an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, leading to the mother's immune system producing antibodies against the Rh antigen on fetal red blood cells.
Analyze the scenario where the mother is Rh-positive: Since the mother already has the Rh antigen on her red blood cells, her immune system recognizes it as 'self' and does not produce antibodies against it.
Explain why the child is not susceptible: Because the mother does not produce anti-Rh antibodies, there is no immune attack on the Rh-positive red blood cells of the fetus, preventing hemolytic disease.
Summarize the immunological principle: Hemolytic disease of the newborn due to Rh incompatibility requires the mother to be Rh-negative and sensitized to Rh-positive fetal cells; an Rh-positive mother is naturally tolerant to Rh antigens.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Video duration:
3m
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Rh Blood Group System

The Rh blood group system classifies blood based on the presence or absence of the Rh antigen (commonly the D antigen) on red blood cells. Individuals with the antigen are Rh-positive (Rh+), while those without it are Rh-negative (Rh-). This system is crucial in blood transfusion and pregnancy compatibility.
Recommended video:
Guided course
03:37
Group Translocation

Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn (HDN)

HDN occurs when maternal antibodies target fetal red blood cells, causing their destruction. This typically happens if an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus, leading to maternal sensitization and antibody production against Rh antigens, which can cross the placenta and harm the fetus.
Recommended video:
Guided course
04:57
Communicable vs. Noncommunicable Diseases

Maternal Sensitization and Antibody Production

For Rh-related HDN to occur, the mother must be Rh-negative and exposed to Rh-positive fetal blood, triggering her immune system to produce anti-Rh antibodies. An Rh-positive mother already has the Rh antigen and does not recognize it as foreign, so she does not produce harmful antibodies against an Rh-positive fetus.
Recommended video: