Autoimmune Dysfunction
An autoimmune condition is when the body's defences against foreign antigens turn upon itself. It is not clearly understood why this happens, but appears to follow a bacterial or viral infection in individuals who are genetically susceptible, and who have an ongoing inflammatory condition. The microbial infection does not need to be of a specific kind but one that initiates an immune response. There are two types of autoimmune conditions. One that is organ specific, for example Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in which the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed. Other organ specific autoimmune conditions are; Myasthenia gravis where the action of the the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is affected leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Another organ specific condition is Multiple sclerosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a systemic autoimmune condition characterised by chronic inflammation of the joints.
An autoimmune condition is when the body's defences against foreign antigens turn upon itself. It is not clearly understood why this happens, but appears to follow a bacterial or viral infection in individuals who are genetically susceptible, and who have an ongoing inflammatory condition. The microbial infection does not need to be of a specific kind but one that initiates an immune response. There are two types of autoimmune conditions. One that is organ specific, for example Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, in which the insulin producing beta cells of the pancreas are destroyed. Other organ specific autoimmune conditions are; Myasthenia gravis where the action of the the neurotransmitter acetylcholine is affected leading to muscle weakness and paralysis. Another organ specific condition is Multiple sclerosis. Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of a systemic autoimmune condition characterised by chronic inflammation of the joints.
