Correlation analysis of HHV-6A viral load and anti-TPO antibody levels in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the correlation between anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibody levels and human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) viral load as triggers for Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT). Materials & methods: The study included 60 HT patients, 60 patients with non-autoimmune thyroid disease, and 60 subjects with normal thyroid function. HHV-6 viral loads in serum samples were detected using real-time PCR. Results: A significant correlation was found between the increase in viral load and increased levels of anti-TPO antibodies in serum samples from HT patients (p = 0.001). Conclusion: The aim of this study was to explore the potential involvement of HHV-6A in the onset of HT, with the goal of identifying improved treatment options for affected individuals.