Abstract
Aim: To systematically review and meta-analyze the available evidence on the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection, COVID-19 vaccination, and the development of new autoimmune conditions (AIC). Method(s): This study followed the PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched until December 31, 2024, for studies reporting new-onset autoimmunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination. Meta-analyses using random-effects models calculated pooled odds ratios using RStudio 4.3. Result(s): Of the 2544 records identified, 39 studies were included in the systematic review, and 17 studies were included in the meta-analysis. A significant association was found between SARS-CoV-2 infection and new AIC (p = 0.0054) and particularly type 1 diabetes (p = 0.0229), blistering diseases (p = 0.0452), systemic sclerosis (p = 0.0153), and vitiligo (p = 0.0122). Regarding SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced autoimmunity, no association between COVID-19 vaccines and new AIC was observed. Conclusion(s): This study provides evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection may strongly induce autoimmunity.Copyright © 2024
