What is a common finding in the blood smear of a patient with G6PD deficiency?

In G6PD deficiency, a common finding on a blood smear is the presence of Heinz bodies and bite cells. G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) deficiency leads to a reduced ability to detoxify oxidative stress. When patients are exposed to oxidative agents, the red blood cells are damaged, leading to the formation of Heinz bodies, which are denatured hemoglobin precipitates.

As the macrophages in the spleen attempt to clear the damaged red blood cells, they can "bite" them, leading to the characteristic appearance of bite cells. This process is part of the hemolytic response seen in patients with G6PD deficiency, particularly after stressors such as infections, certain medications, or specific foods (like fava beans).

The other options reflect findings associated with different hematological disorders. Spherocytes and schistocytes are typically seen in conditions like hereditary spherocytosis and microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, respectively. Reticulocytes and normoblasts may be present in various anemias but do not specifically indicate G6PD deficiency. Macro-ovalocytes and hypersegmented neutrophils are classic findings in megaloblastic anemias, particularly those related to vitamin B