Question

In Europe during the plague, people with B blood type died more frequently from bacterial infection (Yersinia pestis) than people with other blood types. Why did this blood type influence a person's immune response? A. Surface antigens on the bacteria resembled the antibodies produced by the person with type B. Therefore the bacteria were able to easily able to attack type B blood using bacterial antibodies. B. Surface antigens on the type B blood cells resembled the surface antigens on the bacteria. Therefore the person's immune system very quickly responded by making antibodies to the bacteria that caused plague. C. Surface antigens on the type B blood cells resembled the surface antigens on the bacteria. Therefore the person's immune system did not quickly make antibodies against the bacteria that caused plague.

Answer 1

C. Surface antigens on the type B blood cells resembled the surface antigens on the bacteria.

Step-by-step explanation:

In this scenario, having blood type B meant that the surface antigens on the individual's red blood cells resembled those on the Yersinia pestis bacteria. This similarity might have led to a slower immune response because the immune system may not have recognized the bacteria as foreign as quickly as it would have with a different blood type.