Which histologic feature is seen in Bruton's agammaglobulinemia?

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Multiple Choice

Which histologic feature is seen in Bruton's agammaglobulinemia?

Explanation:
In Bruton's agammaglobulinemia, a defect in B-cell development blocks maturation at the pre-B cell stage. Because mature B cells populate lymphoid tissues and form germinal centers, these centers fail to develop when B cells are absent. Germinal centers are the sites in lymph nodes and other secondary lymphoid organs where B cells proliferate and undergo somatic hypermutation in response to antigen. With no mature B cells available, germinal centers are absent, reflecting the severe B-cell deficiency and resulting very low immunoglobulins. This is why the histology shows absent germinal centers. Increased or normal germinal centers would imply functional B-cell maturation, and excessive follicular hyperplasia would indicate a reactive process with B-cell proliferation—neither of which fits Bruton's.

In Bruton's agammaglobulinemia, a defect in B-cell development blocks maturation at the pre-B cell stage. Because mature B cells populate lymphoid tissues and form germinal centers, these centers fail to develop when B cells are absent. Germinal centers are the sites in lymph nodes and other secondary lymphoid organs where B cells proliferate and undergo somatic hypermutation in response to antigen. With no mature B cells available, germinal centers are absent, reflecting the severe B-cell deficiency and resulting very low immunoglobulins. This is why the histology shows absent germinal centers. Increased or normal germinal centers would imply functional B-cell maturation, and excessive follicular hyperplasia would indicate a reactive process with B-cell proliferation—neither of which fits Bruton's.