Abstract
Celiac disease is a genetic, hereditary autoimmune disorder (HLA-DQ2, HLA-DQ8) where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. There are a lot of symptoms associated with celiac disease, which makes diagnosis difficult (some forms can be asymptomatic).
Celiac disease is associated with a number of autoimmune disorders, with the most common being thyroid disease and Type 1 Diabetes. A simple blood test is available to screen for celiac disease.
These antibodies are produced by the immune system because it views gluten (the proteins found in wheat , rye and barley) as a threat. All subjects must be on a gluten-containing diet for antibody (blood) testing to be accurate.
The only way to confirm a celiac disease diagnosis is by undergoing an endoscopic biopsy of the small intestine. Currently, the only treatment for celiac disease is lifelong adherence to a strict gluten-free diet.