EP_072. Serological trends of coeliac disease in Malaysia (2020–2024): Insights from diagnostic data

Siti Asma Bakar^1*, Siti Fatimah Abdullah¹, Ainur Yusniza Yusof¹, Syuriatika Dionysius¹, Masita Arip²

1. Autoimmune Unit, Allergy and Immunology Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institute of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

2. Allergy and Immunology Research Centre, Institute for Medical Research (IMR), National Institute of Health (NIH), Ministry of Health Malaysia, 40170 Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

*Corresponding author: Siti Asma Bakar. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Coeliac disease (CD) is an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten, with a global prevalence of approximately 1%. In Malaysia, local data are limited, though an earlier study reported 1.25% seroprevalence among symptomatic patients.

OBJECTIVE(S): This study aimed to determine the frequency of positivity and demographics patterns of CD based on referred diagnostic samples across Malaysia.

MATERIALS & METHODS:  A five-year retrospective analysis was conducted on 910 serum samples tested for CD-specific antibodies between 2020 and 2024 at the Autoimmune Unit, IMR. Testing included anti-Endomysium antibodies IgA (EMA), using EUROIMMUN Indirect Immunofluorescence Test (IIFT), and anti-tissue transglutaminase (anti-tTG) (IgG & IgA) and anti-Gliadin antibodies (IgG & IgA) using Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CIA).

RESULTS: A total of 51 samples (5.6%) were seropositive for at least one autoantibody. Annual positivity ranged from 3.76% in 2020 to 8.54% in 2022, with the highest frequency observed for anti-Gliadin antibodies. Most cases were adults (≥18 years), with a higher positivity rate in males (6.75%; n=385) than females (4.76%; n=525). Malays and Indians comprised the largest proportion of seropositive results.

CONCLUSION: These findings reflect diagnosis and referral patterns rather than the true number of CD cases, as biopsy confirmation and clinical details were unavailable. Despite limitations, the results highlight frequency and demographic patterns of CD antibodies in patients tested across Malaysia. There is a clear need for nationwide, population-based studies to better understand the true burden of CD. Such research is essential to inform diagnostic protocols, raise clinician awareness, improve biopsy access, and enhance CD diagnosis and management in Malaysia’s diverse population.

KEYWORDS: Coeliac Disease, Autoimmune Disease, Serological Testing, Diagnostic Trends, Malaysia