Step 1: Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells are large, derived from germinal-center B lymphocytes, and are the hallmark of Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease), so option a is correct.
Step 2: Morphologically RS cells are multinucleated or have a bilobed nucleus with prominent eosinophilic nucleoli, producing the classic "owl's eye" appearance against a reactive background.
Step 3: Immunophenotype: RS cells are CD30 and CD15 positive and usually negative for CD20 and CD45, helping distinguish Hodgkin from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Step 4: Options b (sickle cell anaemia), c (thalassemia) and d (CML) are red-cell or myeloid disorders that have no association with RS cells, so they are excluded.