Immunological profile in clinical practice

The term "autoimmunity" literally means "immunity against self" and is caused by an immune-mediated reaction to self-antigens (i.e., failure of self-tolerance). Susceptibility to autoimmune disease has a genetic basis in humans and animals. Numerous viruses, bacteria, chemicals, toxins, and drugs have been implicated as the triggering environmental agents in susceptible individuals. The four main causative factors of autoimmune disease have been stated to be: genetic predisposition; hormonal influences, especially of sex hormones; infections, especially of viruses; and stress. The Authors examine the most frequent immune diseases in dogs and cats in clinical practice.