Which of the following is an example of an autoimmune disease?

The correct answer is Option (1) - Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an example of an autoimmune disease. It is a chronic inflammatory disorder that primarily affects the joints, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and in some cases, joint deformity. In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissues, particularly the the lining of the joints, leading to joint inflammation and damage.

Influenza (option 2), malaria (option 3), and tuberculosis (option 4) are not autoimmune diseases. Influenza is a viral respiratory infection, malaria is a protozoan disease transmitted through mosquito bites, and tuberculosis is a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs.

Autoimmune diseases involve dysregulation of the immune system, resulting in the immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells and tissues. There are various autoimmune diseases that can affect different organs and systems in the body, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, among others.