Which disease is caused by sensitivity to gluten?

• A. Celiac disease
• B. Mononucleosis
• C. Chronic fatigue syndrome
• D. SLE

Answer: (A)

Gluten sensitivity causing autoimmune damage to the small intestine defines celiac disease. When gluten is eaten, the immune system reacts to gliadin, injuring the intestinal villi and reducing nutrient absorption. This can cause chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, weight loss, and anemia, and may include other signs like dermatitis herpetiformis. The condition is linked to HLA-DQ2 or DQ8 and is diagnosed with antibodies such as tissue transglutaminase IgA and often confirmed by an intestinal biopsy showing villous atrophy. Treatment is a lifelong gluten-free diet, which typically reverses symptoms and promotes healing. The other listed conditions are not caused by gluten sensitivity—mononucleosis is due to EBV infection, chronic fatigue syndrome is a non-specific fatigue syndrome, and SLE is an autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs.