**Core Concept**
Warm-antibody immunohemolytic anemia is a type of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) characterized by the production of warm-reacting antibodies that bind to the surface of red blood cells at body temperature, leading to their premature destruction. This condition often results from an imbalance between the immune system's tolerance and autoantibody production.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Infectious mononucleosis, caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is primarily associated with cold-antibody AIHA. Cold agglutinins are IgM antibodies that react with red blood cells at temperatures below 37°C, causing hemolysis. This is distinct from warm-antibody AIHA, which is typically seen in autoimmune disorders like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), drug-induced hemolytic anemia, or lymphoproliferative disorders.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** SLE is a classic cause of warm-antibody AIHA, where the autoimmune response leads to the production of warm-reacting antibodies against red blood cell antigens.
**Option B:** α-Methyladopa and other drugs like quinidine can induce warm-antibody AIHA through the formation of autoantibodies against red blood cells.
**Option C:** Quinidine is another drug known to cause warm-antibody AIHA, similar to α-methyladopa.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
In AIHA, the Coombs test (direct antiglobulin test) is essential for diagnosing the condition. It detects the presence of antibodies or complement proteins attached to the surface of red blood cells.
**✓ Correct Answer: D. Infectious mononucleosis**
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