HLA-B*27 subtypes and its clinical implications characterization by studying sequence-specific alleles

Abstract

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a form of spondylitis in which spine is affected primarily along with other joints. The vertebrae fuse together and form a rigid structure. Individuals with AS are also positive for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) B-27. One hundred and eighty-three symptomatic patients of AS were used in the study. Sequence-specific priming (SSP) PCR technique was used to detect the HLA B-27 specific allele. This study showed (out of 183 suspected cases, 45 cases were detected positive with HLA B-27 allele, while the remaining 138 were negative) that the positivity rate for AS with HLA B-27 allele is less. In 183 cases, 63 were females, whereas 7 cases were positive and 56 negative, whereas 38 cases were positive for male and 82 cases were negative. When sample was analyzed in term of age groups, it was found that out of 45 positive samples, the positivity rate was maximum, i.e., 57.14% in the patient above 37 years of age. Furthermore, it was observed that the males above 30 years are more prone to develop AS with HLA B27 specific allele. For the diagnosis of AS, conventional PCR technology is a promising diagnostic method and can be considered as an important tool along with other diagnostics parameters.