Thyroid eye disease tied to higher prevalence of human papillomavirus

Medical Xpress

February 26, 2026

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Thyroid eye disease (TED), a condition characterized by orbital inflammation that often accompanies Graves' disease, has been linked to a higher prevalence of low-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infection prior to the onset of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients with TED were more likely to have been diagnosed with HPV before developing symptoms associated with thyroid-related eye issues. Thyroid eye disease involves swelling and bulging of the eyes, which can lead to vision problems and discomfort. The research highlights a potential connection between viral exposure and autoimmune conditions, suggesting that low-risk HPV genotypes—such as types 6 and 11, commonly associated with benign conjunctivitis—may play a role in triggering or exacerbating TED. While the study does not establish causation, it raises intriguing questions about how viruses might influence the development of autoimmune thyroid disorders. The study, conducted by researchers at Sheba Medical Center in Israel, analyzed medical records of 146 patients with TED and compared them to matched controls. They found that nearly 30% of TED patients had a history of HPV diagnosed before their hyperthyroidism symptoms began, compared to fewer than 8% of control participants. This suggests that viral infections could be a contributing factor in the complex interplay between thyroid dysfunction and ocular inflammation. Understanding this association is crucial for several reasons. First, it sheds light on the potential role of environmental factors like viruses in autoimmune diseases. Second, it underscores the importance of early detection and management of HPV-related conditions, even when symptoms seem unrelated to eye health. For patients with TED, identifying underlying viral infections could open new avenues for treatment and prevention strategies. The findings also have implications for healthcare providers, who may need to consider HPV testing or monitoring in patients presenting with signs of thyroid eye disease, even if they do not exhibit overt symptoms of infection. While low-risk HPV strains are generally benign, their association with TED suggests that they may still contribute to the inflammatory processes underlying

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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/26/2026