A 30-year-old patient presents with a collection of symptoms including persistent fatigue, painful and swollen joints, a distinct butterfly-shaped rash across their face, and lab tests indicating kidney inflammation. Further analysis reveals the presence of antibodies that are attacking the patient's own cellular nuclear material. Based on this clinical picture, which autoimmune disorder is the most likely diagnosis, and what is the fundamental mechanism causing the widespread tissue damage?

Identifying an Autoimmune Disorder

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), also known as lupus, is an autoimmune disease where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues, which can inflict permanent damage on multiple organs like the heart, lungs, and kidneys. The pathology of SLE is caused by type III hypersensitivity reactions, where autoantibodies are produced against nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins.

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- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Psoriasis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus.

Types of Systemic Autoimmune Diseases

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Microbiology covers the scope and sequence requirements for a single-semester microbiology course for non-majors. The book presents the core concepts of microbiology with a focus on applications for careers in allied health. The pedagogical features of the text make the material interesting and accessible while maintaining the career-application focus and scientific rigor inherent in the subject matter. Microbiology’s art program enhances students’ understanding of concepts through clear and effective illustrations, diagrams, and photographs.

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OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune central nervous system disease that affects the brain and spinal cord. Lesions in multiple locations within the central nervous system are a hallmark of multiple sclerosis and are caused by infiltration of immune cells across the blood-brain barrier.

Multiple sclerosis

In myasthenia gravis, autoantibodies block the receptors for acetylcholine (AChr) on muscle cells, resulting in paralysis.

Myasthenia gravis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes itchy or sore patches of thick, red skin with silvery scales on elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms, feet, and sometimes other areas. Some individuals with psoriasis also get a form of arthritis called psoriatic arthritis, in which the joints can become inflamed. Psoriasis

Psoriasis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of an autoimmune disease that specifically targets the joints. This condition results in symptoms such as joint pain, stiffness, and a loss of function.

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