Evaluation of celiac disease biopsies for adenovirus 12 DNA using a multiplex polymerase chain reaction

It has been postulated that celiac disease (CD) is initiated by adenovirus 12 infection (1). To test this hypothesis, we devised a PCR-based strategy to simultaneously screen for adenovirus 12 (Ad12), cytomegalovirus (CMV), and herpes simplex viruses (HSV) 1 and 2 in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded small bowel biopsies from adult and childhood CD patients. Control groups consisted of small bowel biopsies from normal adults and children, adults with active peptic duodenitis, and children with active duodenitis. Ad12 DNA was found in two of 19 adult CD biopsies (two of 14 patients), while CMV and HSV DNA was found in one of the 19 adult CD biopsies. Ad12 and CMV DNA was not present in 19 child CD biopsies, while HSV DNA was found in two of these same biopsies. CMV and HSV DNA were not found in any of the control group patients. Ad12, CMV, and HSV DNA were not identified in significant numbers in any patient group. These findings argue against the presence of persistent adenovirus infection in CD patients but do not preclude remote Ad12 infection prior to the onset of CD. Similarly, the absence of CMV and HSV DNA in CD, active peptic disease in adults, and active duodenitis in children suggests that neither virus is involved in the persistence of these inflammatory conditions.