Epidemiologic studies testing large numbers of normal, healthy people from the population at large have established both the prevalence of the HLA-DQ2/DQ8 genes as well as the prevalence of celiac disease (from those with highly positive tTG).
(Updated .)Keyword: genetic
Are certain combinations, or lack thereof, of genes tied to certain symptoms?
Studies have for the most part failed to show a simplistic relation between the type of HLA gene involved (i.e., DQ2 vs. DQ8) and types of symptoms.
(Updated .)What are the insurance codes correlated with the HLA/DNA tests for celiac disease?
A genetic test shows if you have the gene associated with the disease but doesn’t diagnose that you have it. Genetics tests are often used to understand whether there are risk factors for relatives of someone with celiac disease, or to indicate celiac disease as a likely cause if other methods of screening have been… Read more »
(Updated .)Can you have celiac disease without having the genes for it?
This topic raises much debate. The current thought shared by the many physicians and scientists is that 1-2% of celiacs may not possess the celiac-specific genes HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8. Our Dr. Guandalini and Dr. Bob Anderson, chief scientific officer of ImmusanT, believe the genes are necessary to initiate the immunologic response of celiac disease, hence… Read more »
(Updated .)What percentage of those with the genes will develop celiac disease?
Less than 5% of those with one or both genes will develop the disease.
(Updated .)If no one else in my family has celiac disease, could I have developed the genes instead of inherited them?
Genes aren’t “developed,” they’re inherited. The family members who don’t have the disease may still have the gene(s) for it.
(Updated .)Do most people with celiac disease have the gene turned on at birth?
For celiac disease to develop, you don’t just need the gene(s), but also the contribution of several environmental factors (the first one being gluten, of course), hence the fact that celiac disease can appear at any time and at any age for those who have the gene(s).
(Updated .)How is genetic testing different than antibody testing for celiac disease?
Blood tests, such as the tissue transglutaminase test (tTG) or the antiendomysial (EMA) antibody test, measure the autoimmune response triggered by gluten that occurs at that particular point in time. These are important tests because they characterize the extent to which the immune system is responding to gluten. Unlike antibody testing, the HLA genetic test… Read more »
(Updated .)If both parents have a negative genetic screen for celiac disease, does that mean their children are also negative?
Yes, the children of two persons who don’t have the genes for celiac disease should also be free of the genes for the disease.
(Updated .)Do I have to be eating gluten for the genetic test to be reliable?
No, the presence or absence of genetic factors is not influenced by diet.
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