Useful For

This is a semi-quantitative test for the detection of IgA and IgG antibodies to recombinant, deamidated gliadin-derived peptides in human serum. Gliadin antibodies are found in a high percentage of patients with untreated celiac disease and antibody levels decline after the institution of a gluten-free diet. In comparison with tissue transglutaminase (tTg) and endomysial antibodies, older tests for gliadin antibodies were less specific and could be seen in other intestinal diseases. However, selective in vivo deamidation of gliadin results in enhanced binding by anti-gliadin antibodies and newer assays such as this have higher diagnostic accuracy for celiac disease when compared to standard anti-gliadin assay. In addition, this test can aid in the diagnosis of dermatitis herpetiformis and has utility for monitoring compliance to a gluten-free diet. IgG gliadin is most useful in the 2-10% of patients with celiac disease who are IgA deficient.