Immunologic Factors in Pernicious Anemia

Abstract

Pernicious anemia may be congenital or acquired. The congenital form is rare. The acquired form usually occurs in persons over 50 years of age. Autoantibody directed against intrinsic factor is present in the majority of patients and is considered to be diagnostic of pernicious anemia. Photomicrograph shows typical megaloblastic bone marrow as seen in pernicious anemia, with megaloblasts in various stages of development.