Researchers have recently increased their focus on the link between autoimmune diseases and infections. Most of the recent research indicates that silent human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), may have diverse roles in the initiation, development, and exacerbation of autoimmune diseases, such as coeliac Disease (CD) and inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of HCMV infection in Iraqi patients with CD. Serum samples were obtained from 60 patients with CD, and from 60 healthy subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine the Anti-Transglutaminase IgG/IgA, Anti-gliadin IgA/ IgG, as well as the HCMV IgM/ IgG levels in the serum samples. Significantly higher percentage of positivity for serum Anti-transglutaminase (100% vs 0%. p=0.00), serum Anti-gliadin A (96.7% vs. 13.3%, p=0.00) and serum Anti-gliadin G (90% vs. 13.3%, p=0.00) in active CD patients from the healthy controls. Serum Anti HCMV IgM were detected equally in (3.3%) among both in CD patients and controls whereas serum Anti-HCMV IgG in both CD patients and the controls were (76.7% vs.78.3% , p=0.827). The mean concentrations of studied specific antibodies for CD in patient’s serum are highly significant associated with positive anti-HCMV IgG compared to controls. HCMV infections could participate in the immunopathogenesis of CD whether it’s an autoimmune triggering factor, or may be coexist during immunosuppressive state of the disease, all of which can further worsen the disease prognosis. Further studies are needed in detail to understand HCMV immune-pathological effect and to develop new strategies for targeted therapeutic interventions.
