Study Reveals 30% Surge in Autoimmune Markers Among Indians Post-Covid

A recent study by Metropolis Healthcare, published in the *International Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Research*, has revealed a significant 30 percent increase in the prevalence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) among the Indian population following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Antinuclear antibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that mistakenly target the body’s own cells, leading to tissue damage and the development of autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid conditions.

The study, which analyzed 120,000 cases, found that the percentage of ANA-positive cases in India rose sharply from 39.3 percent in 2019 (before the pandemic) to 69.6 percent in 2022 (after the pandemic). Post-pandemic, females were disproportionately affected, with 73.15 percent testing positive for ANA, compared to 61.38 percent of males.

The data also indicated that the highest prevalence of ANA positivity occurred among individuals aged 31 to 45, followed by those aged 46 to 60. The older population, particularly those over 60, continued to show elevated positivity rates both before and after the pandemic.

Medical experts suggest this dramatic rise in ANA-positive cases may be linked to the body’s heightened immune response to the Covid-19 virus. According to Dr. Alap Christy, Vice President and Scientific Business Head of Clinical Chemistry at Metropolis Healthcare, the immune system’s increased activity in some individuals leads to the body attacking its own tissues, which can trigger or worsen autoimmune disorders.

“Post-pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in autoimmune conditions. Research suggests that the immune response to Covid-19 may play a significant role. Early detection is crucial, particularly for women and older adults, who are at higher risk,” Dr. Christy explained.

Additionally, the study highlighted a 9 percent rise in the nuclear homogeneous pattern—commonly associated with autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis—between 2019 and 2022.