Case Study:

In 2025, a 35-year-old patient named Neha from Delhi was diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure. Doctors recommended an urgent kidney transplant as dialysis was no longer effective. Her younger brother volunteered to donate one of his kidneys.

Before the transplant, doctors conducted several compatibility tests, including blood group matching and Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing. Results showed a partial match, reducing the risk of organ rejection but not eliminating it completely.

The transplant surgery was successfully performed in a government hospital. Post-surgery, Neha was prescribed immunosuppressant drugs to prevent her immune system from attacking the transplanted kidney. These drugs reduced immune response but also increased her susceptibility to infections.

After 6 months, Neha showed significant recovery, with improved kidney function. However, doctors emphasized lifelong medication and regular monitoring. Meanwhile, her brother remained healthy with one kidney, highlighting the possibility of safe organ donation.

This case illustrates key biological concepts such as immune rejection, tissue compatibility, and the role of immunosuppressants. It also reflects real challenges in India, including organ shortage, ethical concerns, and awareness about organ donation.

Questions:

Section A - MCQs

1. Why is HLA matching important before organ transplantation?

A. To increase blood pressure
B. To reduce chances of immune rejection
C. To improve digestion
D. To increase organ size

2. Immunosuppressant drugs are given to:

A. Increase immunity
B. Destroy transplanted organ
C. Suppress immune response
D. Improve blood circulation

3. Despite a successful transplant, lifelong medication is required because:

A. Kidney stops functioning
B. Body continuously recognizes organ as foreign
C. Blood group changes
D. DNA mutates rapidly

4. One major challenge in organ transplantation in India is:

A. Excess donors
B. Lack of medical technology
C. Shortage of organ donors
D. No hospitals available

Section B - Short Answer Questions

1. Explain the concept of graft rejection in organ transplantation. 

2. Why can a person live with only one kidney after donation?

3. Analyze the risks associated with immunosuppressant therapy. 

Section C - Long Answer Question

1. Suppose Neha did not receive immunosuppressant drugs after transplantation.

• Predict the possible outcome.
• Explain the biological mechanism behind it.
• Suggest alternative strategies to improve transplant success. 

Answer Key:

MCQs:

1. B
2. C
3. B
4. C

Short Answers:

1. Graft rejection occurs when the recipient’s immune system identifies the transplanted organ as foreign and attacks it, leading to failure of the transplant.
2. One kidney can perform the necessary filtration functions efficiently, allowing a person to survive normally after donating one kidney.
3.  Immunosuppressants reduce immunity, increasing risk of infections and sometimes causing  side effects like toxicity or organ damage.

Long Answer:

Outcome:
Without immunosuppressants, the transplanted kidney would likely be rejected.

Mechanism:
The immune system recognizes foreign antigens on the transplanted organ and activates immune responses, destroying the tissue.

Alternative Strategies:

• Better HLA matching
• Use of advanced immunotherapy
• Regular monitoring and early detection of rejection