Celiac Disease Screening among Healthy Blood Donors in Hungary

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a common chronic systemic autoimmune disease in Europe. The prevalence of CD in Hungarian children is estimated at 1.2-1.4%. To date, however, no data on adult CD prevalence has been published. Aims: Analysis of the serological evidence for CD among Hungarian adults in order to estimate its prevalence. Methods: Plasma samples from 4155 healthy blood donors were anonymously screened for circulating IgA autoantibodies by a highly sensitive tissue transglutaminase ELISA. Positive results were subsequently confirmed by endomysial antibody test. Results: Endomysial antibody test confirmed positivity in 25 samples suggesting a prevalence of CD of at least 0.6% (1:166). Since no identification on the samples was provided, no further examinations could be done on endomysial antibody positive individuals. Conclusions: The first serological screening study among healthy Hungarian adult blood donors showed a prevalence of CD similar to other central European countries and lower than that in Hungarian children. Among countries worldwide, the Hungarian prevalence of CD appears to be in the mid-range, although pediatric data suggest a higher prevalence.