A Look at Giradia-related Elevation of Anti-transglutaminase and Anti-endomysium Antibodies

Celiac.com 05/12/2021 - Some types of intestinal inflammation or autoimmune disease can increase markers for celiac disease. A number of reports have suggested that intestinal infections may cause celiac disease to develop in certain people. 

A team of researchers recently set out to determine whether serum anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomysium antibodies (EMA) may be helpful in differentiating between giardiasis and celiac disease. 

Celiac.com Sponsor (A12):
The research team included Kurt Hanevik, Elisabeth Wik, Nina Langeland & Trygve Hausken. They are variously affiliated with the Centre for Cancer Biomarkers CCBIO, Department of Clinical Medicine, and the Department of Clinical Science at the University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway; and the Department of Pathology, the National Centre of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Section of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, and the National Advisory Center for Tropical Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine at Haukeland University in Bergen, Norway.

The team looked at eight cases where patients showed elevated CeD serological markers and pathological duodenal histology during, or shortly after, Giardia infection. 

Their recent paper presents follow-up clinical and serological findings to determine which of these eight patients were diagnosed with celiac disease. 

Serum levels of tTG and EMA were poor indicators for spotting the difference between patients where celiac disease was excluded, and those who were later diagnosed with celiac disease. 

In their paper, the team discusses the value of these serological celiac markers in relation to celiac diagnosis in cases with chronic or recent giardiasis.

Read their full report in the Scandinavian Journal of Gastroenterology [PAYWALL]