Microorganisms in Pathogenesis and Management of Hashimoto Thyroiditis

Hashimoto thyroiditis (HT) is the main cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas. It is considered a multifactorial disease where not only genetic but environmental conditions are involved. In recent years, some authors have pointed out the possibility of microorganisms as a risk factor for autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto thyroiditis. It has been described that some microorganisms could share epitopes found in the thyroid gland, suggesting that the infection or colonization of these microorganisms could induce a chronic immune response to the thyroid gland. Further studies are needed to elucidate the exact mechanisms in which microorganisms could induce autoimmunity in the thyroid gland and how these could change the management of Hashimoto thyroiditis.