Final answer:
Pathologic jaundice in infants is suspected to be hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), which occurs when a woman who is Rh- is carrying an Rh+ fetus and has formed anti-D antibodies. These antibodies can destroy fetal red blood cells, leading to anemia and jaundice in the newborn.
Step-by-step explanation:
When an infant experiences pathologic jaundice, the condition suspected is hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). HDN occurs when a woman who is Rh- is carrying an Rh+ fetus, and the mother has formed anti-D antibodies during a previous pregnancy. These antibodies can cross the placenta and destroy fetal red blood cells, causing anemia and jaundice in the newborn. HDN is more likely to occur during the second or subsequent pregnancies because the mother has already produced anti-D antibodies.