Rheumatoid Factor and Anti-CCP Titers in COVID-19

The mechanisms of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) remain not fully elucidated. The present study aimed to trace the presence of autoantibodies among COVID-19 patients and to determine the association between COVID-19 and these antibodies. This study is a cross-sectional, hospital-based study involving 90 participants, who were arranged into three groups: the COVID-19 group, the rheumatoid arthritis group, and the control group. The study population was tested for serum concentration of rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP antibodies. The results showed significant elevations in serum levels of rheumatoid factor (P < 0.000) and anti-CCP (P < 0.000) among the rheumatoid arthritis group. Similar findings of a significant increase in rheumatoid factor (P < 0.000) were observed among the COVID-19 group compared to the control group, while an insignificant increase (P = 0.605) was reported between the Anti-CCP and COVID-19 groups. The present study revealed a significant increase in rheumatoid factors among the COVID-19 group compared to the healthy control group. These results suggested that COVID-19 contributes to the development of autoantibodies, which might play a critical role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19. These findings suggest that the rheumatoid factor plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 infection.