Ligneous conjunctivitis is associated with a deficiency of which plasma protein?

Ligneous conjunctivitis is associated with a deficiency of which plasma protein?

• A. Plasminogen deficiency
• B. Vitamin A deficiency
• C. Iron deficiency
• D. Fibrinogen deficiency

Answer: (A)

Ligneous conjunctivitis arises from impaired breakdown of fibrin due to plasminogen deficiency. Plasminogen is the precursor to plasmin, the enzyme that dissolves fibrin clots. When plasminogen levels are deficient, fibrin accumulates in tissues, especially mucous membranes like the conjunctiva, producing the characteristic thick, woody (ligneous) pseudomembranes. This is distinct from deficiencies like vitamin A or iron, which cause different ocular or systemic signs, and from fibrinogen deficiency, which mainly affects clot formation rather than fibrinolysis.