Autoimmunity laboratory

Case Study

Coeliac disease

The doctor suspected that the patient may have a condition called coeliac disease. This is a relatively common disease potentially effecting around 1 in every 100 people in the UK. It is an autoimmune condition that results from an immunological hypersensitivity to gluten, which is a protein, found in grains such as wheat, rye and barley. The immune systems of patients who develop this hypersensitivity produce cells and antibodies that attack the lining of the intestine causing extensive damage to the structures that normally create a large surface area for absorption.

How might the Doctor investigate whether the patient has coeliac disease?

• Previous
• Next