Autoimmune diseases occur when the body’s natural defence system cannot distinguish between its own cells and external agents (bacteria, viruses, etc.). This failure of the immune system causes the body to mistakenly attack normal cells.

There are more than 80 types of autoimmune diseases affecting a wide range of body parts. The incidence and frequency of these diseases varies widely, and for some types of diseases is higher in certain populations.

An autoimmune disorder may cause: destruction of body tissue, abnormal growth of an organ, or changes in organ function.

An autoimmune disorder may affect one or more types of organs or tissues, mainly: blood vessels, connective tissues, endocrine glands (thyroid, pancreas), joints, muscles, red blood cells and skin.

What genetic tests for autoimmune diseases do we offer at Genosalut?

At Genosalut we offer different genetic tests for the detection of variants associated with an increased risk of autoimmune diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis, Reiter’s syndrome and Behçet’s disease. These tests include: risk allele analysis, panels, exome analysis and genome analysis