A team of international researchers reported that a common virus known as reovirus could trigger celiac disease. The immune system usually treats gluten as a harmless protein. With the reovirus infection, the immune system treats this protein as a dangerous pathogen. University of Pittsburgh virologist Terence Dermody and the other researchers found out that the virus works by blocking the regulatory response of the immune system, then it directs the system to produce a harmful reaction to the protein.
The reovirus is common in human infections, but without the usual symptoms. This virus is associated with illnesses like fever and upper respiratory infection. The study, however, found high levels of reovirus antibodies among patients infected with the celiac disease. The study has provided new information on how the immune system responds to food when there is a viral infection.
"Viruses have been suspected as potential triggers of autoimmune or food allergy-related diseases for decades," Washington University School of Medicine Viral Immunologist Herbert Virgin said.
Normally, the immune system allows a person's body to absorb food proteins and similar substances, according to Science News. But when that person has the reovirus infection, then the immune system can act defensively. The immune system of a person with celiac disease can consider gluten so harmful and respond to it through diarrhea which can damage the small intestine's lining.
The intake of gluten, found in barley, rye, and wheat, can be deadly to people with celiac disease. It does not only damage the small intestine but prevents it from absorbing nutrients. Among the symptoms of the disease caused by the reovirus infection are diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal pain. The symptoms of the disorder are usually observed among children and even teenagers. Adults can get infected, although their symptoms can vary from constipation, osteoporosis, lactose intolerance and dermatitis herpetiformis.
University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center Director of Research Dr. Bana Jabri said the virus may not be clinically symptomatic but it can be bad for the immune system, according to Health Day. This is especially true for children with a maturing immunity, and who can suffer from the scar left by the disorder. Vaccines against the reovirus are recommended to avoid autoimmune disorders such Type 1 diabetes and celiac disease.
