Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection Is Not Associated With Increased Celiac Disease Autoimmunity in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Recent reports suggest severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infections may increase the risk of celiac disease autoimmunity. This study aims to evaluate potential associations between coronavirus disease 2019 infection and tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies (TGA) immunoglobulin A. METHODS: From 2020 to 2021, cross-sectional screening for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and TGA was offered to 4,717 children in Colorado through the Autoimmunity Screening for Kids study. Multivariable logistic regression assessed association between previous SARS-CoV-2 infection and TGA positivity. RESULTS: Previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with TGA positivity (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.63–1.59; P = 0.95). DISCUSSION: In this large-scale analysis, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was not associated with celiac disease autoimmunity in Colorado children.