Genetic testing for celiac disease
Celiac disease is an immune-mediated disease of the small intestine which occurs as a result of the consumption of gluten in genetically predisposed individuals. Celiac disease usually initially presents with diarrhoea in childhood years. It can also appear in adulthood and present with diarrhoea and crampy abdominal pain. Today it is still diagnosed by a biopsy of intestinal mucosa. Immunologic tests have an important diagnostic value by detecting disease-specific antibodies. The new diagnostic criteria, however, also take genetic analysis into consideration since celiac disease has a genetic component.
Why should you have your DNA analysed for predisposition to celiac disease?
Although it is an immune disorder, we can determine your predisposition for this disease by checking your genome. According to the European and USA estimates, 1 in 100 people have this disease. This means that celiac disease is one of the most common chronic diseases.
How is celiac disease prevented or treated?
The disease is managed with a strict diet. All gluten-containing wheat must be excluded from the food. However, care must be taken when consuming other processed food as it often contains gluten. Always read the package labels if you have gluten sensitivity. Food without gluten is marked "gluten-free"!
More information about genetic testing for diseases.