Which of the following circulating antibodies has the best sensitivity and sepcificity for the diagnosis of celiac disease -: (A) Anti-endomysial antibody, (B) Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody, (C) Anti-gliadin antibody, (D) Anti-reticulin antibody
Answer is A. IgA anti-endomysial antibodies are found in 90% coeliac patients. They are a very specific & sensitive marker for coeliac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis. The anti-endomysial antibody test has been suggested to be 98% sensitive and 98% specific for clinical or subclinical coeliac disease Ref Davidson edition23rd pg 805