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Autoimmune diseases are quite common throughout the world. The main defect here is with the body’s immune system which fails to distinguish self from ‘non-self and produces auto-antibodies which act against its own cells. These are a group fascinating diseases because no one really knows what triggers the formation of auto-antibodies. Various theories have been proposed but the exact cause still remains unknown. They are more common in females.

When we are born, we have what is known as ‘immune tolerance’. It basically means that body is able to recognize self tissues and antigens. It can differentiate between self and non-self. The body is able to do so due to the presence of certain cells like the T cells. It is a defect with these cells which leads to autoimmune diseases. Genetic factors have long been associated with autoimmune diseases. The HLA gene has been associated with diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, Graves’ disease, Ankylosing spondylitis and many more! Infections with viruses, bacteria and several other microorganisms have also been shown to cause autoimmune diseases.

They can either affect one particular organ (organ specific) or a number of organs (multisystem). In the organ specific type, specific auto antibodies are produced which react against one particular organ only. This eventually destroys the organ. Some of the common organ specific autoimmune diseases are the Graves’ disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Myasthenia gravis, Rheumatoid arthritis and pemphigus vulgaris. On the other hand in the multisystem form, auto antibodies are produced which reach with antigens in various tissues and thus effect a number of organ systems. Systemic sclerosis, Systemic lupus erythematosus are the common multisystem autoimmune diseases.

Patients suffering from autoimmune diseases can present in various forms deepening upon the organ which is being affected. In the multisystem variety, the clinical symptoms are vague because so many organs are being affected. To diagnose these diseases we measure the level of auto antibodies in the blood. They are not only used for diagnosing the disease but also for monitoring it. Some of the commonly tested auto antibodies are the rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibody, antinuclear antibodies, anti-DNA antibodies, antiphospholipid antibodies and many more. Rheumatoid factor is one antibody which can be positive in a number of diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, Systemic lupus erythematosus and Tuberculosis. Thus it is not a very specific antibody. Anti-CCP antibody is a more specific antibody for diagnosing rheumatoid arthritis. Antinuclear and anti-DNA antibodies can both be seen in patients suffering from Systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE.

Autoimmune diseases are a major cause of disability and morbidity across the globe. They are usually treated with steroids which suppress the immune system and improve the symptoms. Various immune suppressant drugs are also used. One of the last resorts is to remove the organ which is responsible for producing these auto antibodies like the thymus. Doctors and researchers all over the world are constantly looking out for better medicines to treat these autoimmune diseases and we can only hope for things to improve in the future!