The Impact of COVID-19 Infection and Vaccination on the Production of Anti-TPO Antibodies and Its Implications for Thyroid Disease Development

1

COVID-19 infection and vaccination may trigger autoimmune thyroiditis, with inconsistent evidence linking SARS-CoV-2 to increased anti-TPO antibodies.
2

Increased anti-TPO levels were observed in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, suggesting potential subclinical hypothyroidism post-infection.
3

Vaccine-induced thyroid autoimmunity findings are conflicting, with mRNA vaccines showing moderate increases in anti-TPO levels without significant dysfunction.
4

Molecular mimicry and direct viral injury to thyroid cells are proposed mechanisms for COVID-19 related autoimmune thyroiditis.
5

This study investigates the cumulative impact of COVID-19 infection and vaccination on autoimmune thyroiditis across various participant groups.

Bmc Infectious Diseases

by Arwa Qaqish, Mohammad Al-Tamimi, Manal Mohammad Abbas, Obada Al Jayyousi, Shahd Tarawneh, Abdel-Ellah Al-Shudifat, Rami Alqassieh, Moawiah Khatatbeh
January 7, 2026

1