Disorders that affect host body may have various etiologies such as environmental, genetical and immunological. Understanding the immunological basis of a disease is gaining widespread importance due to the complexity involved. One such condition is autoimmunity where host bodys self defence machinery itself attacks ultimately leading to a deleterious condition.The present description is based on a related disorder known as Lupus which falls under the category of Autoimmunity. Lupus is a chronic disease that has potential to attack skin, joints or any other organ of the body . The symptoms may continue to exist from weeks to years. Lupus is also considered as a disease of flares where the symptoms frequently worsen and subside. Here the patient could feel ill and better. Causes of Lupus: Lupus has three important causes. Firstly, lupus is believed to have some genetic relationship as some ethnic groups belonging to Native American, Native Hawaiian, or Pacific Island have increased risk. It is highly likely that there is a chance of developing the disease in one of two
identical twins when it runs in certain families irrespective of history. However this aspect needs to be explored. Secondly, environment has vital clues. Ultraviolet rays from the fluorescent light bulbs, sun, certain sulfa drugs that increase the sun-sensitivity, like Bactrim and Septra (trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole); sulfasalazine (Azulfidine); diuretics. Similarly, sun-sensitizing tetracycline drugs such as minocycline (Minocin), penicillin or other antibiotic drugs such as: amoxicillin (Amoxil), cloxacillin (Cloxapen).The other contributing agents are infections, viral fever, fatigueness,an injury, emotional stress, or other life complications such as surgery, physical harm, pregnancy, or giving birth. The third important cause thought to be central for development of lupus is hormonal overproduction. Women are considered to have increased risk for lupus as estrogen production is more compared to men. There are different types of lupus reported to date. They are Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) which affects major organs such as heart, lungs, kidneys, and brain.