Rising incidence of coeliac disease

Coeliac disease (CS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the small intestine caused by the ingestion of gluten containing cereals in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent evidence suggests a possible rising incidence of CD. Environmental factors such as early life gluten exposure, intestinal infections, short duration of breast-feeding, and changes in intestinal micro-biota have been proposed to have a role in CD pathogenesis. Thus, prevention approaches to diminish the rising prevalence of CD are currently being evaluated. Still, the cornerstone treatment of CD remains a strict gluten-free diet. Am J Gastroenterol Sept 2010 http://www.nature.com/ajg/journal/v105/n12/abs/ajg2010372a.html