What type of disease is myasthenia gravis?

Myasthenia gravis is classified as a chronic autoimmune disease because it is characterized by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own cells. In this condition, the immune system produces antibodies that interfere with the communication between nerves and muscles. This disruption leads to weakness and fatigue of the skeletal muscles, which can vary in intensity.

Autoimmunity plays a central role in the pathology of myasthenia gravis; it primarily affects the neuromuscular junction, where nerves connect with muscles. This autoimmune response results in a reduction of acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, leading to the hallmark symptoms of muscle weakness.

Understanding that myasthenia gravis is chronic underscores that it is a long-term condition that requires ongoing management, rather than being something that is temporary or caused solely by an infection, genetic disorder, or acute inflammation. Each of these other options refers to distinctly different mechanisms or pathologies that do not accurately characterize myasthenia gravis.