Abstract
We have analysed serum antibodies by ELISA to evaluate the possible relationship between adenovirus infections and coeliac disease (CD). Sera were collected from 24 children with CD (mean age 9.6 yrs, range 2-16.5 yrs) and 24 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The sera were taken at the time of the initial diagnosis of CD. During autumn -88 an outbreak of adenovirus epidemic took place in our community. Paired sera from 62 children hospitalized for adenovirus infection were available.
The ELISA analysis revealed an excess of adenovirus IgA-antibodies in the children with CD. When antibodies to other viral antigens (rubella, mumps, herpes simplex virus) were measured increased IgA-antibody levels to rubella and mumps viruses were also found. Anti-gliadin antibodies were determined in the 62 adenovirus diseased children. In 9 cases the anti-gliadin antibody levels were found to be increased. When anti-reticulin antibodies were analysed 3 out of the 9 cases showed increased antibody levels.
Our results indicate that children with CD show enhanced IgA responses to viral infections, adenovirus included. CD may also predispose to adenovirus infections. We conclude that both the phenomena are most likely due to the genetic constitution and phenotype of the children with CD. The role of adenoviruses in the pathogenesis of CD remains open.
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Lahdeaho, M., Lehtinen, M., Maki, M. et al. ADENOVIRUS ANTIBODIES IN CHILDHOOD COELIAC DISEASE, ANTI-GLIADIN ANTIBODIES IN ADENOVIRUS DISEASED CHILDREN - WHAT IS THE CHAIN OF EVENTS?. Pediatr Res 26, 274 (1989). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198909000-00062
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198909000-00062