Mimicry
Mimicry
Mimicry (/mɪmɪkri/), from the Greek word mimesis meaning imitation, is a phenomenon in the field of biology and medicine where one species or organism imitates the traits of another for survival or other advantages.
Definition
In a medical context, mimicry can refer to a situation where the symptoms of one disease imitate or resemble those of another. This can often lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.
Types of Mimicry
There are several types of mimicry observed in the medical field:
- Molecular Mimicry: This is a theoretical mechanism by which the immune system responds to antigens that are similar in structure to its own molecules, leading to an immune response against its own cells. This is thought to be a cause of certain autoimmune diseases.
- Clinical Mimicry: This refers to a situation where the symptoms of one disease mimic those of another. This can often lead to misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment.
Examples
Some examples of diseases that can mimic others include:
- Lyme Disease: This can mimic many other conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, Fibromyalgia, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
- Celiac Disease: This can mimic conditions such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Crohn's Disease.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mimicry
- Wikipedia's article - Mimicry
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