🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A patient experiences acute bronchospasm, urticaria, and hypotension minutes after receiving a bee sting. This reaction is mediated primarily by the release of histamine and other mediators from mast cells and basophils due to the cross-linking of which antibody class?

A IgG
B IgA
C IgE
D IgM

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

Type I hypersensitivity reactions, like anaphylaxis, are IgE-mediated. IgE antibodies bind to mast cells and basophils, and subsequent exposure to the antigen causes cross-linking of IgE, triggering release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators.

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