IMMUNOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -Pernicious anemia is a decrease in red blood cells that occurs when the intestines cannot properly absorb vitamin B12.

Detailed explanation-2: -Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. Most people with vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia have underdeveloped red blood cells that are larger than normal. The medical term for this is “megaloblastic anaemia".

Detailed explanation-3: -The term “pernicious” means harmful, and pernicious anemia causes harm to several body systems: Digestive system problems that cause nausea, bloating and weight loss. Nervous system damage that causes muscle weakness, numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, memory loss and dementia.

Detailed explanation-4: -Pernicious anemia is one of two major types of “macrocystic” or “megaloblastic” anemia. These terms refer to anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. (The other major type of macrocystic anemia is caused by folic acid deficiency.)

Detailed explanation-5: -Pernicious anemia is a type of vitamin B12 anemia. The body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells. You get this vitamin from eating foods such as meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products. A special protein, called intrinsic factor (IF), binds vitamin B12 so that it can be absorbed in the intestines.