Gene testing

[Bennyboy1998]

HLADQ2 gene positive, negative on the antibody test but gastritis seen on endoscopy, small intestine apparently looks normal, any advice? I know you can’t use the gene test alone for a diagnosis but that being positive along with the gastritis I truly believe it’s celiac any opinions?

[trents]

Welcome to the forum, @Bennyboy1998!

Were you already eating gluten free when the endoscopy/biopsy was performed? Have you had any celiac antibody testing done?

There is also the possibility that you have NCGS (Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity) which is 10x more common than celiac disease and shares many of the same symptoms. There is no test for it, however so celiac disease must first be ruled out. Some experts feel NCGS can be a precursor to celiac disease.

Gastritis can be cause by a number of things including infections such as H. Pylori and SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). 

Is there a history of celiac disease in your family? Have you tried eliminating gluten from your diet and felt better? Just wondering why you are looking at celiac disease as the cause of your gastritis and what led you to genetic testing for celiac disease?

[knitty kitty]

😉@Bennyboy1998, welcome to the forum,

In the early stages of celiac disease, the level of antibodies may not be high enough to show up in the bloodstream.  Gastritis can cause a Vitamin B12 deficiency which can result in anemia which can result in low antibody production.  

Intestinal damage may be sparse and microscopic and out of reach of the endoscpe.  The small intestine can be twenty-two feet long.

A positive genetic test and symptom improvement on the gluten free diet is an alternative method of diagnosis.

Following a gluten free diet before severe symptoms occur may prevent Celiac Disease development later in those genetically positive.

We'll still let you be a member.  😸