Celiac disease in the Red Sea state of Sudan

Celiac disease is characterized by sensitivity to gluten that results in inflammation and atrophy of the small intestine mucosa. The aim of this research was to document the presence of celiac disease and to describe its clinical presentations in the tribes living in the Red Sea state of Sudan.

172 patients suspected to have celiac disease, were examined at the Red Sea Medical Center laboratory, Port Sudan, Sudan, from August 2008 to September 2011. All clinical data was collected using questionnaires. Serum samples were obtained from all patients for serological detection of anti-gliadin (AG) and anti-tissue transglutamase (ATTG) antibodies (IgG and IgA) using the enzyme-linked immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA).

128 patients were found to have celiac disease. The commonest presenting symptom was chronic diarrhea (20.3%) followed by weight loss (14%). Males and females were nearly equally affected. All age groups were affected with a peak incidence between 5 to 10 years.

Celiac disease occurs in the Red Sea state and may well be under-diagnosed. The combination of IgA AGA and IgA ATTG tests represent a good diagnostic method to confirm celiac disease in suspected cases. Special attention needs to be given to methods that encourage adherence to gluten-free diet in affected people in this region.