SERUM FOOD ANTIBODIES ANALYZED BY ENZYME-LINKED-IMMUNOSORBENT-ASSAY (ELISA) AND DIFFUSION-IN-GEL (DIG)-ELISA METHODS IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT CELIAC-DISEASE

Serum antibodies IgA, IgG, and IgM against gliadin, ovalbumin, and bet a-lactoglobulin were analyzed at the time of 228 small bowel biopsies in 116 celiac children. These were compared to the antibody levels at the time of biopsies performed in 199 children, where the biopsy disca rded a clinical suspicion of celiac disease. For antibodies against gl iadin, the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and diffusion-in- gel (DIG)ELISA methods were compared. It was found that the combined i nformation from IgA and IgG antigliadin antibodies gave the highest sp ecificity (94%) and sensitivity (89%). The antibody responses to food antigens decreased with age in both celiac and reference children. The ELISA and DIG-ELISA methods gave comparable results and were equally efficient.