Celiac disease is largely a disease of the small intestine, although other organs may be affected. People in their 30s and 40s, and children are most commonly affected, but celiac disease can begin at any age. It results from a reaction to proteins, commonly called gluten, found mainly in wheat, barley, rye, and some other grains. 

Celiac disease

Graves disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. Symptoms of Graves disease result from the production of thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) also called TSH-receptor antibody.

Graves disease

Juvenile diabetes, or type 1 diabetes mellitus, is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. It is a T-cell-dependent autoimmune disease characterized by the selective destruction of the β cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. The destruction of the β cells causes a lack of insulin production by the pancreas.

Type I diabetes mellitus

Destruction of the adrenal glands is the cause of Addison disease, also called primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Today, up to 80% of Addison disease cases are diagnosed as autoimmune Addison disease (AAD), which is caused by an autoimmune response to adrenal tissues disrupting adrenal function.

Addison disease

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease that targets the thyroid gland and is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. The condition can lead to various symptoms, including depression, fatigue, muscle cramps, and heart problems. Patients with Hashimoto's are also more likely to develop additional autoimmune diseases.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

Examples of organ-specific autoimmune diseases include:
- Celiac disease
- Graves disease
- Hashimoto thyroiditis
- Type I diabetes mellitus
- Addison disease

University of Southern Mississippi

Some autoimmune diseases are considered organ-specific, meaning that the immune system targets specific organs or tissues.

Organ-Specific 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.

Microbiology is produced through a collaborative publishing agreement between OpenStax and the American Society for Microbiology Press. The book aligns with the curriculum guidelines of the American Society for Microbiology.

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