Previous studies had already made a connection between the stomach and intestinal infections in children and celiac disease made. Norwegian researchers have now found that the so-called entero-viruses, which often result in early Childhood intestinal infections, could contribute to the emergence of a subsequent celiac disease.

20 percent of all children, the diseased and later to celiac disease, according to meadows, the researchers enteroviruses in stool samples. In children without celiac disease, this was only 15 per cent of the case. For other viruses, such as adenoviruses, can also cause frequent infections in children, this was not observed, however. Celiac disease is a disease that is caused by a Gluten intolerance, and a strict avoidance of Gluten. Gluten is a protein made from grain and is found in wheat, barley and rye.

Only Enterovirus infections, which occurred after Gluten was introduced in the diet of children with celiac disease. In the case of infections prior to this time, no connection was observed. Therefore, the scientists assume that the virus infection itself was the cause of the disease. They derive a preventive measure: "If enterovirus are confirmed as the trigger, could reduce the number of vaccination, the risk of celiac disease."

The researchers had contributed in 2001 and 2007 chair and blood samples from 220 children aged three to 36 months, the genetic characteristics associated with an increased risk for celiac disease, viral diseases, and celiac disease antibodies. Then the children were examined up to 2016 are still a year on celiac disease. After an average of 10 years was found in 25 children with celiac disease. Each child was then compared with two healthy controls. They published their results in the journal The BMJ.

ZOU