Serodetection Of Anti-Tissue-Transglutaminase Antibodies Amongst Children Under 5 Years Old Suffering From Coeliac Disease Symptoms In The Omdurman Military Hospital, Khartoum

Background: Coeliac disease is the most common disease in children less than 5 years old andmay cause many serious complications. The frequency of anti-tTG (IgA) in these children were also determined.Aim: To detect anti-tissue-transglutaminase (anti-tTG) antibodies (i.e., IgA) in children under5 years old with signs and symptoms of coeliac disease, as well as to detect the relationship of seropositivity with signs, symptoms, age, and gender.Methods: This work was a descriptive, cross-sectional study performed atthe Omdurman Pediatric Military Hospital (Khartoum) from April to June 2017. A total of 90children under 5 years of age, including40 (44.4%) males and 50 (55.6%) females, were enrolled. These patients suffered from coeliac disease signs and symptoms. Anti-tTG (IgA)levels were tested in serum specimens through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Data were collected using a questionnaire andanalyzed with SPSS program version 16.Results: The overall results revealed that 5(5.6%) were positive for anti-tTG, 4 of whom were females. Statistical analysis showed significant relation between coeliac disease and gender (P = 0.055). Regarding age, all positive for coeliac disease were 2-3years old. Statistical analysis showed a significant relation between anti-tTG seropositivity and age (P = 0.000). All infected children (positive for anti-tTG) were suffering from diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal pain.Conclusion: Coeliac disease was prevalent inchildren, especially amongst those aged 2-3 years. Statistical analysis showed significant relation anti-tTG seropositivity,age,and gender.