What condition is associated with enzyme deficiency leading to hemolytic anemia and "bite cells" on a RBC smear?

The condition associated with enzyme deficiency that leads to hemolytic anemia and the presence of "bite cells" on a red blood cell smear is indeed linked to Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. G6PD is an essential enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway, which is crucial for maintaining the redox state of cells and protecting them from oxidative damage.

Individuals with G6PD deficiency have an impaired ability to handle oxidative stress. When exposed to certain triggers like infections, certain drugs, or foods such as fava beans, the red blood cells become vulnerable to oxidative damage. This results in the hemolysis of red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia.

The "bite cells" observed in the blood smear are a distinctive morphological feature that arises when macrophages in the spleen remove oxidatively damaged portions of the red blood cell membrane. This process gives the cells a characteristic "bite" appearance.

Other options, such as hemophilia, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia, involve different pathophysiological mechanisms. Hemophilia is primarily a disorder of blood coagulation, not related to hemolysis. Sickle cell anemia is due to a mutation in the