Scientists in Italy have successfully diagnosed celiac disease through saliva tests.
Researchers at the University of Rome collected saliva samples from 4,048 children between the ages of 6 and 8 years old.
For those that tested positive to certain markers of the disease, the results were confirmed through the standard biopsy via endoscopy. The diagnosed children were put on the gluten-free diet, which those with celiac disease must follow to maintain their health.
Considering the increasing rate of celiac disease, researchers have been eager to find a non-invasive approach to screen for this autoimmune condition.
Buoyed by the results, they concluded: “it is possible to perform a powerful, simple, well-accepted, and sensitive CD screening using saliva.” See the study here.
