Italian researchers hypothesize about COVID-19 and those predisposed to celiac disease

Italian researchers hypothesize that COVID-19 could have implications for those who are genetically at risk for celiac disease.

In a perspective article in the International Journal of Clinical Practice, scientists from Sapienza University and “Bambino Gesù” Children Hospital, theorize that those with a genetic risk are more likely to develop celiac disease following COVID-19 infection. Family members of those who have celiac disease are considered at genetic risk, such as first-degree family members.

The proposed link between COVID-19 and celiac disease is only theoretical at this point and proper epidemiological studies would be needed to validate this hypothesis. The researchers note that if the hypothesis were to be backed up by evidence, COVID-19 could be a candidate culprit for an outbreak of celiac disease in the future.

It is important to keep in mind that this article has no implications for those who have been diagnosed with celiac disease.

Beyond Celiac encourages all members of the celiac disease community to receive a COVID-19 vaccine as soon as they are able. You should make the decision to receive the vaccine in consultation with your doctor, who knows your personal health history. The Beyond Celiac recommendation is based on CDC guidelines along with publicly available evidence and the expert opinion of our science team.

You can read more about the article, COVID-19 and celiac disease: A pathogenetic hypothesis for a celiac outbreak, here.