What type of cells are primarily affected in immune-mediated hemolytic anemia?

Immune-mediated hemolytic anemia specifically targets red blood cells within the body. This condition arises when the immune system erroneously identifies these cells as foreign and begins to destroy them, leading to a reduction in their numbers. The destruction of red blood cells results in anemia, which can cause symptoms such as fatigue, pallor, and weakness due to a decreased capacity for oxygen transport in the bloodstream.

The other types of cells mentioned—white blood cells, platelets, and plasma cells—are involved in different aspects of the immune response and blood clotting, but they are not primarily affected in this particular condition. White blood cells play a key role in fighting infections, platelets are essential for clotting, and plasma cells are responsible for producing antibodies. However, immune-mediated hemolytic anemia is specifically characterized by the autoimmune destruction of red blood cells, making them the primary focus of the condition.