Too Few Studies Provided a Link between Viral Infections and Celiac Disease

Introduction. Celiac disease has a prevalence of 1% of the global population and it is increasing every year. Viral infections such as hepatitis C and hepatitis B are the most common liver diseases and studies show that may be a link between them and celiac disease. Recent studies show attempts to find a link between viral infections and celiac disease. We focused our study on the association between viral infections and celiac disease. Material and Method. We studied 63 articles from the Pub Med Database that revealed a possible connection between viral infections and celiac disease. Results. Since it is more frequent, hepatitis C is associated with the development of celiac disease, but celiac disease is not the autoimmune manifestation of hepatitis C. Patients with celiac disease have a significantly decreased response to hepatitis B vaccine. Other viruses that are associated with celiac disease are: rotavirus, adenovirus, eterovirus and Epstein-Barr virus. Conclusions. The serological screening for celiac disease at hepatitis C patients, after starting treatment with interferon, is necessary. Also, it is justified the serological screening for celiac disease among adults infected with hepatitis B. Further studies are still needed to show the possible association of viral infections in the pathogenesis of celiac disease.