Is there a virus that causes celiac disease?

Virus

Celiac disease is Chronic diseases of the immune system that primarily affect the small intestine. It is characterized by an abnormal immune response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. Although it is known that genetic susceptibility plays an important role in its development, there is still much controversy regarding the possible impact of viruses in celiac disease.

Incidence in the population

Celiac disease Affects approximately 1% of the world’s population, and its prevalence has been increasing in recent decades. This has prompted scientists to look for environmental factors that may be contributing to the increase in cases. Among these factors, viruses have been the subject of research.

A recent study

some studies show Certain viruses may trigger or cause celiac disease in genetically susceptible populations. A 2000 study published in the journal Gastroenterology found that children with celiac disease had a higher frequency of respiratory viral infections in the first two years of life. However, this study could not determine whether viral infection is a cause or a result of celiac disease.

Another recent study published in the Journal of Virology in 2017 analyzed Different viruses present in intestinal tissue samples from celiac disease patients. The researchers found that Epstein-Barr virus, a common virus that causes infectious mononucleosis, was present in the intestines of most celiac disease patients but not in the tissue of healthy controls. This suggests there may be a link between Epstein-Barr virus and celiac disease, although more research is needed to confirm this relationship.

Other virus species

In addition to the Epstein-Barr virus, Other viruses have been studied in connection with celiac disease. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Medical Virology found that people with celiac disease were more frequently infected with adenovirus, a type of virus that causes respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. However, this study was conducted on a limited number of patients, and more research is needed to confirm these findings.

While these studies suggest a possible link between certain viruses and celiac disease, it’s important to note Celiac disease is a multifactorial disease. In addition to genetic predisposition, factors such as early exposure to gluten, caesarean section, and intestinal dysbiosis are also known to contribute to the development of the disease.

Celiac disease is a complex disease involving the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Although viruses may play a role in its development, it cannot be said with certainty that there is a virus that causes celiac disease.