Which one of the following is an auto-immune disease?

The correct answer is Option (1) → Rheumatoid arthritis

Option (1) Rheumatoid arthritis — Correct. In this disease the immune system attacks the body’s own cells in the joints. The joints become painful and swollen.

Option (2) Ascariasis — Incorrect. Ascariasis is caused by the roundworm Ascaris, an intestinal parasite. A healthy person gets it through water, vegetables or fruits carrying the worm’s eggs. The cause is a foreign organism, not the body’s own immune system.

Option (3) AIDS — Incorrect. AIDS is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). The virus destroys helper T-lymphocytes, so the immune system becomes weak. It is an immunodeficiency, the opposite of the immune system attacking the body.

Option (4) Amoebic dysentery — Incorrect. Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis) is caused by the protozoan Entamoeba histolytica in the large intestine. Houseflies carry the parasite to food and water.

Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 05-06-2023 (Slot 3).

NCERT Extract:
Auto Immunity – …