Celiac Disease Screening: Anti-tTG, EMA, and the Hidden Role of IgA Deficiency
Abstract
Celiac disease is a gluten-triggered autoimmune enteropathy characterized by specific autoantibodies. Among them, anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) and anti-endomysium (EMA) antibodies are considered the most sensitive and specific markers. However, selective IgA deficiency—more prevalent in celiac patients than in the general population— can compromise IgA-based serology, requiring systematic serum IgA measurement and, when necessary, complementary IgG-based assays. The objective of this study was to assess the diagnostic value and concordance of anti-tTG and EMA antibodies, and to highlight the role of serum IgA measurement in improving the accuracy of celiac disease screening.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Celiac Disease Research and Management
Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Wheat and Barley Genetics and Pathology
Publication details
- Journal / source
- World Allergy Organization Journal
- Volume
- 19
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 101255–101255
- Publication date
- 1 February 2026
- Language
- EN