Final answer:
Idiopathic acquired aplastic anemia is primarily due to an autoimmune response that destroys bone marrow cells, leading to a deficit in stem cells needed for blood cell production. The cause is unknown, but it can be linked to factors like radiation and certain medications. Treatment often includes suppressing or resetting the immune system.
Step-by-step explanation:
Idiopathic acquired aplastic anemia is due to an autoimmune response where the body's immune system attacks its own cells, leading to a deficit in red blood cell (RBC) stem cells. It is considered an autoimmune disease because the body's immune defenses mistakenly target and destroy healthy bone marrow cells, which are crucial for producing blood cells. The term "idiopathic" means that the exact cause is unknown, but it can be triggered by environmental factors such as radiation, certain medications, chemotherapy, or infection.
Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow, and a decrease in both red and white blood cells is typically observed in someone with aplastic anemia. Treatments for aplastic anemia can involve "rebooting" the immune system, which may include the use of immunosuppressive therapies and, in some cases, a bone marrow transplant.