Lipid Biochemistry USMLE Step 1 Practice Question
A 19-year-old college student presents with acute onset of severe headache, neck stiffness, and petechial rash. Vital signs show temperature 39.2°C, HR 118/min, BP 102/68 mmHg, RR 22/min, and SpO2 98% on room air. Cerebrospinal fluid reveals elevated protein (180 mg/dL) and positive Gram-negative diplococci cultures confirming bacterial meningitis. His medical history is notable for recurrent meningococcal infections. Which lipid-related complement protein is most likely deficient?
Answer choices
- AApolipoprotein C-III
- BCholesteryl ester transfer protein
- CProperdin
- DLipoprotein lipase
- EApoE in HDL particlesCorrect answer
- FApolipoprotein B-100
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