A Rare Autoimmune Disorder Linked to COVID-19 on the Rise in Yorkshire, England
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Rise in Anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis Signals Possible COVID-19 Link
A rare yet deadly autoimmune disorder appears to be on the rise in the north of England, according to a new study conducted by researchers in Yorkshire. The disease, known as Anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis, which was predominantly observed in Asian populations before the COVID-19 pandemic, is now surging among the Caucasian residents of Yorkshire.
Distinct Form of the Disease Indicates COVID-19 Association
The disease is triggered by antibodies that attack an enzyme called MDA5 and is known to be associated with progressive interstitial lung disease. Strikingly, between 2020 and 2022, doctors in Yorkshire reported a significant surge in 60 cases of MDA5 autoimmunity, resulting in tragic eight deaths.
Experts analyzing this surge in a new study discovered that the sudden increase in cases appears to have a significant correlation with the major waves of COVID-19 infections in Yorkshire during the peak years of the pandemic. Of particular interest was the fact that MDA5 plays a crucial role in recognizing the SARS-CoV-2 virus, adding further weight to the COVID-19 link.
A New Phenomenon with Striking Characteristics
The researchers responsible for the study describe this surge in MDA5 autoimmunity in Yorkshire as a distinct form of the disease, which they have named “MDA5-autoimmunity and Interstitial Pneumonitis Contemporaneous with COVID-19” (MIP-C). This nickname underlines the correlation between COVID-19 and the new manifestations of the disease.
Mechanisms Underlying the Disease Explored
To better understand the underlying mechanisms of this newly-identified symptom, the researchers employed data-crunching tools to study the shared traits among the affected patients. Their findings highlight the presence of high levels of an inflammatory cytokine called interleukin-15 (IL-15) in patients with MDA5 autoimmunity.
According to study author Pradipta Ghosh, IL-15 “can push cells to the brink of exhaustion and create an immunologic phenotype that is often seen as a hallmark of progressive interstitial lung disease and lung fibrosis.” This crucial discovery provides further insight into the complexities of MDA5 autoimmunity.
Lingering COVID-19 Infections and Asymptomatic Cases
Surprisingly, the study reveals that only eight out of the 60 patients had previously tested positive for COVID-19. This suggests that many may have had asymptomatic infections that went unnoticed. It indicates that even mild COVID-19 infections, which may be significantly prevalent as asymptomatic cases, have the potential to trigger MDA5 autoimmunity.
A Global Phenomenon with Potential Dangers
The researchers highlight that the surge in MDA5 autoimmunity is not limited to Yorkshire. Disturbing cases of the disease are now reported from various parts of the world, indicating the need for increased attention and further study.
Study Published in eBioMedicine Journal
The comprehensive study conducted by the researchers in Yorkshire has been published in the esteemed eBioMedicine journal, adding credibility and importance to the findings.
This study offers valuable new insights into the rise of a rare autoimmune disorder linked to COVID-19 in Yorkshire, England. The presence of the Anti-MDA5 positive dermatomyositis among Caucasian residents signals a possible association with the COVID-19 pandemic. Epidemiologists and medical researchers worldwide are urged to investigate this phenomenon further and work towards better understanding and managing this increasingly concerning disease.
