Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

Which antibodies are associated with Sjogren's syndrome?

1. Anti-CCP and anti-dsDNA

2. Anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La

3. Anti-SM and anti-RNP

4. Anti-histone and anti-ssDNA

The correct answer is: Anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La

Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune condition characterized by dry eyes and dry mouth, and it is commonly associated with specific autoantibodies. The correct association here is with anti-SSA/Ro and anti-SSB/La antibodies. These antibodies are often present in patients diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome and are essential for the clinical recognition and diagnosis of the condition. Anti-SSA (also known as anti-Ro) antibodies target the Ro60 protein and are found in various autoimmune disorders, including Sjogren's. Similarly, anti-SSB (also known as anti-La) antibodies target another protein that plays a role in RNA metabolism and is also commonly detected in patients with Sjogren's syndrome. The presence of these antibodies is significant not only for the diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome but also indicates potential complications, such as neonatal lupus when these antibodies are present during pregnancy. Research has shown that the presence of these autoantibodies correlates with the clinical manifestations of the syndrome, enhancing the understanding of the autoimmune mechanisms involved. In contrast, while other antibodies listed may be relevant to different autoimmune diseases (e.g., anti-CCP in rheumatoid arthritis or anti-dsDNA in lupus), they are not specifically