The Short Answer

Viral infections can trigger autoimmune diseases in people who are genetically predisposed. Recent research links reovirus to celiac disease, while Epstein-Barr virus, herpes, and other pathogens are associated with Hashimoto’s low thyroid and conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. If you’ve been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, identifying and treating chronic viral infections may help manage your symptoms.

How Viral Infections Trigger Autoimmune Disease

Autoimmune diseases have become increasingly common, affecting millions of people with conditions ranging from celiac disease to Hashimoto’s low thyroid to lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. These conditions develop when the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues—in Hashimoto’s low thyroid, for example, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland itself.

Current research shows that multiple factors contribute to autoimmunity, and viruses play a significant role. We’ve long known that certain viruses are linked with autoimmune conditions. Now, recent research is revealing new connections, such as the link between reovirus and celiac disease, an autoimmune condition triggered by eating gluten. This is particularly relevant because celiac disease and gluten sensitivity often occur alongside Hashimoto’s low thyroid in the same individuals.

The Reovirus-Celiac Connection: What Recent Research Shows

Although celiac disease affects an estimated one in 133 people in the United States, fewer than 20 percent have been diagnosed. Traditional research focused on genetic factors, but a groundbreaking study found that a normally benign virus, reovirus, may trigger celiac disease in genetically susceptible people.

The study found that mice with celiac-like symptoms had higher levels of reovirus antibodies than control mice. They also had elevated levels of a gene regulator called interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), which increases the risk of developing gluten intolerance. Interestingly, researchers testing two different reovirus strains found that only one (T1L) triggered an immune reaction to gluten in test subjects.

This suggests that a reovirus infection early in life may prime the immune system to react to gluten in people who carry the genetic predisposition, a process that doesn’t occur in everyone exposed to the virus.

Viral Infections and Broader Autoimmune Risk

Beyond celiac disease, research increasingly demonstrates that viruses and bacteria can trigger autoimmunity across multiple conditions. One proposed mechanism: pathogens sometimes resemble human tissue, which can confuse an already overstressed immune system into attacking the body’s own cells.

Many people today experience lifestyle-driven chronic inflammation, from poor diet, stress, and environmental toxins, which over-activates the immune system and makes it more likely to attack self-tissue. When a viral infection occurs in this inflammatory environment, autoimmune disease may follow.

Researchers have identified multiple viruses associated with different autoimmune conditions:

• Hashimoto’s low thyroid: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex 1 and 2, hepatitis C, and cytomegalovirus (CMV)
• Multiple sclerosis: EBV and measles virus
• Rheumatoid arthritis: EBV, hepatitis C, and bacterial infections
• Lupus: EBV
• Type 1 diabetes: Coxsackievirus B4, cytomegalovirus, mumps, and rubella
• Guillain-Barré syndrome: EBV, CMV, and bacterial infections

Should You Be Screened for Chronic Viral Infections?

A single viral or bacterial infection doesn’t automatically lead to autoimmunity. Typically, multiple risk factors must align, including genetics, inflammation, and viral exposure, for autoimmune disease to develop. However, if you’ve already been diagnosed with an autoimmune condition, identifying and treating chronic viral infections can be an important part of managing your symptoms.

Some viruses, like Epstein-Barr, can persist for decades with few or no obvious symptoms, continuing to activate the immune system in the background. Testing for and addressing chronic viral loads may reduce autoimmune flares and improve overall health outcomes.

Contact RedRiver Health and Wellness to work with a functional medicine doctor who can test for and address chronic viral infections that may be triggering or worsening your autoimmune condition.