Prevalence of Coeliac Disease Among Symptomatic Patients: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital in North-East Delhi

Swati  Nirmal; Nadeem  Ahmad; Deeksha  Semwal; Shukla  Das

doi:10.18502/jmb.v14i1.21098

Swati Nirmal Department of Microbiology University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India.
Nadeem Ahmad Department of Microbiology University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India.
Deeksha Semwal Department of Microbiology University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India.
Shukla Das Department of Microbiology University College of Medical Sciences, Dilshad Garden, Delhi, India.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmb.v14i1.21098

Keywords: Anti-Ttg, Coeliac disease, Gastrointestinal symptoms, Gluten-free diet

Abstract

Background: Coeliac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated small intestinal disorder precipitated by gluten consumption in genetically predisposed individuals. The condition is increasingly recognized worldwide, including in India, largely due to better availability of serological assays and awareness of non-classical manifestations. To determine the prevalence of Coeliac disease among patients presenting with gastrointestinal and related complaints using serological screening.

Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Microbiology, UCMS & GTB Hospital, Delhi, and included 752 consecutive serum samples received between May 2023 and July 2025. IgA anti-tTG antibodies were estimated by Quantitative ELISA (Aeskulisa, Aesku Diagnostics, Germany) employing recombinant human antigen. Results were interpreted as negative (<16 IU/mL), equivocal (16–19 IU/mL), or positive (≥20 IU/mL).

Results: Among 752 patients, 99 (13%) tested positive, 633 (84%) were negative, and 20 (3%) yielded equivocal findings. Males constituted 59% of the study group, with a slight male predominance among positive cases (55.5%). The highest frequency of positivity (87%) was observed in the 1–20 years age group, mainly in children aged 1–10 years. The majority of samples originated from the Paediatrics Department.

Conclusion: CD was detected in 13% of symptomatic patients, with the greatest burden in the paediatric age group. These results highlight the importance of early serological screening in high- risk groups to facilitate timely diagnosis and prevention of long-term sequelae.