Aplastic anemia is a rare, life-threatening condition caused by a decrease in the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow. There are three primary causes of aplastic anemia: acquired causes, inherited causes, and environmental causes.
Acquired causes of aplastic anemia include exposure to certain medicines, such as chemotherapy and certain antibiotics, as well as viral infections, including Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis C. In addition, certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, may also cause aplastic anemia.
Inherited causes of aplastic anemia are genetic mutations that can be passed down from one generation to the next. These mutations can interfere with the production of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the bone marrow. Fanconi anemia and Diamond-Blackfan anemia are two examples of inherited causes of aplastic anemia.
Environmental causes of aplastic anemia include exposure to certain toxins, such as benzene, pesticides, and herbicides, as well as radiation. In addition, certain viral infections, such as HIV, can also lead to aplastic anemia.
In summary, aplastic anemia has three primary causes: acquired causes, inherited causes, and environmental causes. Acquired causes include exposure to certain medicines, viral infections, and autoimmune diseases. Inherited causes include certain genetic mutations. Environmental causes include exposure to certain toxins and viral infections.