Latent Biopsy-Defined Celiac Disease and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection
Hugh James Freeman*
Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
*Corresponding Author: Hugh James Freeman, Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Received:
September 18, 2025; Published: October 23, 2025
Abstract
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) enteropathy is an acquired disorder that has been attributed directly to HIV infection leading to severe diarrhea and weight loss, so-called acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In addition, histopathological changes like untreated celiac disease have also been described. Later clinical reports appeared to show a response to a gluten-free diet with resolution of diarrhea and weight loss. Subsequent gluten challenge and restriction studies also provided independent, but critical evidence for a gluten-dependent small intestinal disorder in HIV. Here, a striking clinical and histological response to a gluten-free diet was demonstrated in a patient initially thought to have HIV-associated enteropathy. The findings in this patient suggest that both diseases occurred coincidentally or, more likely, HIV infection may unmask the latent clinical and biopsy features of adult celiac disease.
Keywords: Celiac Disease; Sprue-like Intestinal Disease; Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), HIV Infection, Gluten-free Diet
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