What is the main cause of aplastic leukemia?

Aplastic anemia, not leukemia, is a rare but serious condition in which the body stops producing enough new blood cells. The exact cause of aplastic anemia is often unknown, but it can be caused by:

- Autoimmune disorders: In some cases, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the stem cells in the bone marrow that produce blood cells.

- Viral infections: Some viruses, such as hepatitis and parvovirus, can damage the stem cells in the bone marrow.

- Certain medications and toxins: Exposure to certain medications, chemicals, or toxins, such as benzene and chemotherapy drugs, can damage the stem cells in the bone marrow.

- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy to the bone marrow can damage the stem cells and lead to aplastic anemia.

- Genetics: Some people may have a genetic predisposition to developing aplastic anemia.

- Pregnancy: Aplastic anemia can rarely occur during pregnancy due to changes in the immune system.