Presence of Tissue Transglutaminase IgA Antibody as a Celiac Disease Marker in a Sample of Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Abstract

Recent medical literature agrees that celiac disease (CD) is much more prevalent in western civilization than it was thought to be in the past. Given the potential complications and consequences of untreated CD, screening programs have been considered. Symptoms of celiac disease may resemble those of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. A group of patients with IBS was screened for CE using the Tissue Transglutaminase Antibody IgA serum test. A total of 18 patients were screened. All of our patients tested negative for TT G IgA. This finding may indicate that the prevalence of CD may be low in our population. Further population studies are needed to confirm our finding.