Celiac disease in Afghanistan: prevalence of an existing but unknown disease to Afghans

The preprint operates within the dominant paradigm of biomedical research, specifically within the established framework of immunology and gastroenterology as they pertain to Celiac Disease. It adheres to standard diagnostic procedures and utilizes established laboratory techniques.

This preprint represents a typical example of normal science. The research aims to ascertain the prevalence of Celiac Disease within a specific population (Afghanistan), where such data is currently lacking. It employs established methodologies and diagnostic criteria for Celiac Disease. The study does not challenge existing understandings of the disease's etiology, pathogenesis, or treatment, but rather contributes to the existing body of knowledge by filling a geographical data gap. While the authors acknowledge certain limitations, such as the reliance on serological tests without biopsy confirmation, these limitations do not signify a challenge to the prevailing paradigm, but rather reflect practical constraints within the research context. The study's findings, indicating a higher prevalence than in neighboring countries, are presented within the existing paradigm and attributed to the study population's health status and not a novel understanding of Celiac Disease. The study's conclusion calls for further research, particularly involving biopsy-based diagnostics, which reinforces its commitment to the existing paradigm and its methods.