Summary
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association estimates that one in five Americans, or 50 million people, suffer from autoimmune diseases. An autoimmune disease results when cells and other components of the body's immune system, designed to protect us from invading microbes such as bacteria or viruses, mistakenly attack a person's own organs. These diseases run the gamut from mild to potentially life-threatening, and include chronic fatigue syndrome, hepatitis, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many others.
The Encyclopedia of Autoimmune Diseases is the only reference of its kind available to general readers. This comprehensive A-to-Z resource covers the human immune system and what happens when it malfunctions, including details on a wide range of autoimmune diseases, the latest information on treatments, and suggestions on how to cope with them. Several appendixes list common medications used for treatment; organizations offering advocacy, support, and information; related Web sites; and government agencies.
More than 300 cross-referenced entries include autoimmunity, bone marrow, cellular immunity (cell-mediated immunity), DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), fungi, genetic engineering, graft-versus-host disease, leukocytes, mast cells, natural killer (NK) cell, platelets, stem cells, transplant rejection, vaccine, and virus.
Specifications
Index. Appendixes. Bibliography. Cross-references.
About the Author(s)
Dana K. Cassell is a freelance writer and editor. She has published over 1,000 articles in more than 150 periodicals. She is the author of two previous books and the editor of two annual regional freelance writers' directories, including The Encyclopedia of Obesity and Eating Disorders and Food for Thought, both for Facts On File. She lives in New Hampshire.
Dr. Noel Rose is Director, Johns Hopkins Autoimmune Disease Center and an expert in autoimmune disease. He is a graduate of Yale University and earned his M.D. at State University of New York, Buffalo. Dr. Rose has written extensively about microbiology and the immune system for numerous medical journals and textbooks. He lives in Maryland.