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Autoimmune Hepatitis
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What is Autoimmune Disease?
One job of the immune system is to protect the body from viruses, bacteria, and other living organisms. The immune system usually does not react against the body's own cells. However, sometimes it attacks the cells it is supposed to protect; this response is called autoimmunity.
Researchers think certain bacteria, viruses, toxins, and drugs trigger an autoimmune response in people who are genetically susceptible to developing an autoimmune disorder.
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References:
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
April 2008
digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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