What is the underlying cause of hemophilia?

What is the underlying cause of hemophilia?

• A. A genetic deficiency of white blood cells
• B. A genetic deficiency of clotting factors
• C. A viral infection of blood cells
• D. A nutritional deficiency

Answer: (B)

Hemophilia is primarily caused by a genetic deficiency of specific clotting factors, which are proteins necessary for normal blood coagulation. The most common types of hemophilia are hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is linked to a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, while hemophilia B involves a deficiency of factor IX. Because these clotting factors are essential for the blood to clot properly, individuals with hemophilia can experience prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and other related complications. The genetic nature of the disorder means it is often inherited, particularly in a recessive manner on the X chromosome, which explains why hemophilia predominantly affects males. The deficiency leads to a cascade failure in the clotting process, which is critical for stopping bleeding after injuries. Other options, such as a genetic deficiency of white blood cells, a viral infection, or a nutritional deficiency, do not pertain to the mechanism of hemophilia. While each of these could lead to other health issues, they are not the fundamental cause of hemophilia.

Hemophilia is primarily caused by a genetic deficiency of specific clotting factors, which are proteins necessary for normal blood coagulation. The most common types of hemophilia are hemophilia A and hemophilia B. Hemophilia A is linked to a deficiency of clotting factor VIII, while hemophilia B involves a deficiency of factor IX. Because these clotting factors are essential for the blood to clot properly, individuals with hemophilia can experience prolonged bleeding, easy bruising, and other related complications.

The genetic nature of the disorder means it is often inherited, particularly in a recessive manner on the X chromosome, which explains why hemophilia predominantly affects males. The deficiency leads to a cascade failure in the clotting process, which is critical for stopping bleeding after injuries.

Other options, such as a genetic deficiency of white blood cells, a viral infection, or a nutritional deficiency, do not pertain to the mechanism of hemophilia. While each of these could lead to other health issues, they are not the fundamental cause of hemophilia.