Navi Mumbai: In a current research study performed by Metropolis, a striking 30% boost in the frequency of Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) positivity in the Indian populace, message COVID-19, has actually been located.
The frequency of ANA suggests exactly how the body immune system may, in many cases, transform versus the body’s very own cells complying with a COVID-19 infection. The study has actually been released in the International Journal of Clinical Biochemistry and Research.
For the research study, Metropolis assessed information from over 1.2 lakh situations, contrasting 2 vital durations– 2019 (pre-COVID) and 2022 (post-COVID). Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are healthy proteins created by the body immune system that erroneously target the body’s very own cells. While the body immune system usually secures versus infections, ANA positivity can bring about cells damages and cause autoimmune illness.
Conditions such as rheumatoid joint inflammation, lupus, and thyroid problems are typically related to ANA positivity and can trigger signs like swelling, joint discomfort, and exhaustion.
The existence of ANA functions as a vital pen for medical care specialists in identifying and checking autoimmune problems.Commenting on the research study,Dr Alap Christy, Vice President and Scientific Business Head– Clinical Chemistry, Global Reference Laboratory, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, claimed, “The sharp surge in ANA positivity post-COVID is connected to the body immune system’s escalated reaction to the infection. In some situations, this enhanced immune task triggers the body to erroneously strike its very own cells, causing or intensifying autoimmune illness. Clinicians have actually significantly observed a rise in autoimmune problems complying with the pandemic, with study suggesting that the body’s immune reaction to COVID-19 might be a vital element. Our searchings for highlight the vital relevance of very early discovery, particularly for females and older grownups, that go to a greater danger.”Dr Kirti Chadha, Chief Science and Innovation Officer, Metropolis Healthcare Limited, claimed, “The COVID-19 pandemic has actually left a long-term effect on international wellness, and our research study reveals that its results expand past the infection itself.
The surge in autoimmune problems is startling, yet it additionally offers a possibility to boosting our analysis abilities. By recognizing these problems early, we can assist people handle their wellness better.”The Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) test is recognized as one of the gold standard screening tools for diagnosing autoimmune diseases.
However, ANA is just the starting point—once positive, it can be followed by a range of advanced tests such as ELISA and ImmunoBlot to confirm the diagnosis and understand the specific autoimmune condition.Regular screenings coupled with lifestyle measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and ensuring adequate sleep, can help mitigate the risks of immune dysregulation, suggests the doctors.
Key Findings of the Study:The prevalence of ANA positivity substantially increased post-COVID. In 2019, the total ANA-positive cases stood at 39.3%, while in 2022, it surged to 69.6% .Females were found to have more positivity compared to males; however, this trend was similar to pre-COVID.
The highest rate of ANA positivity was observed in individuals aged 31-45 years, followed by those aged 46-60 years. Individuals over 60 years consistently maintained high positivity rates in both the pre- and post-COVID periods.There was a notable 9% increase in the Nuclear Homogeneous pattern, often linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis, in 2022 compared to 2019.
