What term describes a type of arthritis that occurs when the body's immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake?

What term describes a type of arthritis that occurs when the body's immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake?

• A. Infectious arthritis
• B. Autoimmune arthritis
• C. Gout
• D. Fibromyalgia

Answer: (B)

Arthritis caused by the immune system attacking the body's own tissues is autoimmune arthritis. In this type, immune cells mistakenly target joint tissues, leading to inflammation, swelling, pain, and stiffness—examples include rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthritides. This distinguishes it from infectious arthritis, which is caused by a joint infection; gout, which results from uric acid crystal buildup in a joint; and fibromyalgia, a pain syndrome without primary joint inflammation. So autoimmune arthritis best describes an inflammatory arthritis driven by autoimmunity, making it the correct choice.