Screening of Celiac Disease Using Anti- Tissue Transglutaminase-IgG Test Among Helminths- Infected School Children in Ziway, Southeast Ethiopia

Abstract Background: Celiac disease is a major health problem worldwide. It is a gluten-induced inflammation of the small intestine, marked by elevated levels of serum auto anti-bodies against tissue transglutaminase, including anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG (Anti-tTG). Anti-tTG anti-bodies are auto anti-bodies, highly sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of Celiac disease (CD). Celiac disease is an overlooked disease among school-aged children that account for a missed diagnosis in children’s morbidity and mortality. Objective: To screen the prevalence of celiac disease - using an anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG anti-body among Helminths-infected school children in Ziway, South East Ethiopia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Ziway, South-Eastern Ethiopia. Socio-demographic data and medical records were taken from a previous study. Left-over samples from that study that were stored at -800c were analyzed for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG antibodies. The anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG measurement used the principle of Enzyme immunoassay (ELISA). Children samples positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase were further assessed for any differences between the Helminths infected and non-infected children by using Binary logistic regression. Data was entered and analyzed by using SPSS version 23, and descriptive analysis, Chi-square, and logistic regression were used to see any associations, and P- value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: This cross-sectional study involved 97 left-over samples of children between 6 and 14 years old. Among these, 18 (18.6%) of study participants tested positive for anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG, which suggests a positive celiac disease diagnosis. Females had a higher prevalence of anti-tTG IgG than males, 13/18 (72.2%). A significant association was found between Helminthes infection and anti-tTG IgG [COR 3.45 (95% CI:1.057,11.265), P= 0.033]. Conclusion: This study showed that prevalence of celiac disease as screened by anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG to be18.6% and was 3.45 times higher among Helminthes infected school children than non-infected ones. This screening test might suggest that children who acquired helminths infections had a high chance of developing Celiac Disease. To gain a better insight, further large-scale studies are strongly recommended. [Ethiop. J. Health Dev. 2024; 38(2): 00-00] Keywords: Anti-tissue transglutaminase IgG, celiac disease, Helminthes