Question: Name the type of cell that is indicated on the blood film below with the arrow, and one condition that this type of cell can be seen in.

Answer: These are bite cells which can be seen in glucose-6-phosphate (G6PD) deficiency. Other features on blood film may include signs of hemolysis, and/or Heinz bodies which are areas of the RBCs that are darkly-stained. G6PD deficiency is an X-linked recessive disorder. Decreased activity of this enzyme reduces protection of the RBCs from oxidative stress. Infection can be a trigger for hemolysis from oxidative stress, and drugs include sulfa drugs, anti-malarial drugs, NSAIDs, among others can trigger hemolysis as well.

References:

Stepwards. (2016). “Archive Of Standardized Exam Questions: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency.” Stepwards. Accessed at https://www.stepwards.com/?page_id=12526 Accessed on May 22, 2022

Stepwards. (2015). “Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.” Stepwards. Accessed at https://www.stepwards.com/?page_id=399 Accessed on May 22, 2022