Subtitle: Addison's Disease
Addison's disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the adrenal glands. It is caused by a malfunction of the immune system, which results in the destruction of the adrenal glands. The symptoms of Addison's disease include fatigue, low blood pressure, darkening of the skin, and muscle and joint pain.
While the cause of Addison's disease is unknown, research has indicated that the virus may be a contributing factor. Studies have shown that some individuals with Addison's disease have antibodies that are specific to certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). EBV is a common virus that is associated with mononucleosis. It is thought that EBV may trigger an autoimmune response that leads to the destruction of the adrenal glands.
In addition to EBV, other viruses, such as parvovirus B19, cytomegalovirus (CMV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), have also been implicated in the development of Addison's disease. However, further research is needed to determine if these viruses are indeed the cause of the disorder.