Population seroprevalence of celiac disease in urban areas of Peru.

The objective of the study was to determine the seroprevalence of celiac disease (CD) in urban areas of Peru using a population-based sample. A random sample of women and men 18 to 29 years old from 26 cities in Peru was screened. An anti-tissue transglutaminase IgA kit was used for the detection of CD. Results higher than 20 AU / ml were considered positive. The weighted prevalence of celiac disease was 1.2% (CI 95%: 0.0% - 2.4%), thus the estimated number of people living with CD in Peru was 341,783. CD prevalence in Peru is similar to the world average.