Registers 26 per cent increase in number of samples received for the disease

SRL Diagnostics has released a report on celiac disease (CD) at pan India level. The data reveals that there has been a 26 per cent increase in the number of samples received at SRL during the last three years. Of the total number of samples received for testing, 18 per cent were found to be abnormal. CD is slightly more common in Indian males (20 per cent) than females (17 per cent). North India has the highest percentage of abnormality with 20 per cent followed by western zone with 17 per cent. Among the zones, southern and eastern India showed the lowest percentage of abnormality with eight per cent and 15 per cent respectively.

CD, a chronic immune-mediated inflammation of our gut, is triggered by exposure to gluten (found in wheat, barley, rye, oat, spelt and malt) in food items. It is a condition in which gluten damages the intestines and reduces its ability to absorb food.

Dr Deepa Dave, Director, Lab operations SRL Diagnostics said, “There is a significant need for reaching out and making people aware of the causes, symptoms, treatment and importance of testing for CD. SRL Diagnostics’ in-house data analysis on celiac tests assesses the nationwide abnormalities in test results in both the genders residing in various cities representing diverse geographic origin, occupation, and socio-economic status and food habits.”

She further added, “The population in North India showed a higher frequency (20 per cent) of positive test reports for CD than in any other zones. This can be due to high consumption of gluten-rich food by the people residing in this zone. South Indian population seems to be the least affected by gluten sensitivity (eight per cent) and this observation correlates well with their diet, which is rice based.”

As per SRL’s analysis of the positive samples, children between zero and 10 years age group were seen to be the most affected in all four zones of India. Although celiac disease can be confirmed through an endoscopic biopsy taken from the gut, serologic tests in CD should be done as a first step in individuals with symptoms suggestive of CD.

EH News Bureau