Manitoba Nephrology Nurse Practice Test

What type of antibodies are associated with Wegner's Granulomatosis?

1. Antinuclear antibodies

2. Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

3. Antimitochondrial antibodies

4. Antisperm antibodies

The correct answer is: Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies

Wegner's Granulomatosis, now more commonly referred to as Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis (GPA), is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels, which can affect various organs including the kidneys, lungs, and sinuses. The type of antibodies associated with this disease are antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). Specifically, a subset of ANCA known as perinuclear ANCA (p-ANCA) and cytoplasmic ANCA (c-ANCA) are often present in patients with GPA. These antibodies target proteins in neutrophils, leading to an inflammatory response that contributes to the symptoms and complications of the disease. The presence of these antibodies is significant not only for diagnosis but also for monitoring disease activity and treatment response in patients with GPA. While other types of antibodies mentioned in the choices, like antinuclear antibodies and antimitochondrial antibodies, are associated with different autoimmune disorders, they are not relevant to Wegner's Granulomatosis.