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What Causes HLA-B27 And Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Question: Hi, I'm a 24 year old female who ia recently diagnosed with HLA-B27 positive and Ankylosing Spondylitis. I've read that it is a genetic disorder. But none of my parents or any of my family members had this. So, is it that I'm born with this gene HLA-B27 or is it something which is developed over a period of time?
Brief Answer:
This gene may present in your family but it is not expressed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
This gene may present in your family but it is not expressed in those members.
HLA antigen presence is genetically determined.Its production is controlled by genes that are passed from parents to their children.
It is important to know that all HLA-B27 positive doesn't present with ankylosing spondylitis and it is also true vice versa i,e negative HLA-B27 doesn't exclude ankylosing spondylitis.
It is a mere fact that about 40 % HLA-B27 positive have ankylosing spondylitis.
This gene may be present in your family without causing symptoms.
It is argued that in susceptible persons,ankylosing spondylitis is triggered by environmental factors like bacterial infection.
HLA-B27 probably accounts for about 40% of the overall risk.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
This gene may present in your family but it is not expressed.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
This gene may present in your family but it is not expressed in those members.
HLA antigen presence is genetically determined.Its production is controlled by genes that are passed from parents to their children.
It is important to know that all HLA-B27 positive doesn't present with ankylosing spondylitis and it is also true vice versa i,e negative HLA-B27 doesn't exclude ankylosing spondylitis.
It is a mere fact that about 40 % HLA-B27 positive have ankylosing spondylitis.
This gene may be present in your family without causing symptoms.
It is argued that in susceptible persons,ankylosing spondylitis is triggered by environmental factors like bacterial infection.
HLA-B27 probably accounts for about 40% of the overall risk.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Ok your reply is satisfactory. So, is it that there are chances I might this gene to my offspring? Also, my parents are 55+ age, as a precaution, should I get there HLA-B27 test done. Although with God's grace they don't posses any symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis. What are your views?
Brief Answer:
I don't think it is useful to screen family members for this gene.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
As we discussed earlier only presence of HLA-B27 doesn't confirm ankylosing spondylitis.It has to be confirmed by clinical correlation and other tests like CRP,ESR,X-rays etc.
Presence of HLA-B27 also varies with race,so it is not needed to screen HLA in persons who have no symptoms.Even in positive HLA persons,this disease is influenced by other genes and environmental factors.
So,I don't think it is useful to screen family members for this gene.
There are chances of passage of this gene to your offspring.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
I don't think it is useful to screen family members for this gene.
Detailed Answer:
Hello
As we discussed earlier only presence of HLA-B27 doesn't confirm ankylosing spondylitis.It has to be confirmed by clinical correlation and other tests like CRP,ESR,X-rays etc.
Presence of HLA-B27 also varies with race,so it is not needed to screen HLA in persons who have no symptoms.Even in positive HLA persons,this disease is influenced by other genes and environmental factors.
So,I don't think it is useful to screen family members for this gene.
There are chances of passage of this gene to your offspring.
Get well soon.
Hope I have answered your question.
Further queries are most welcome.
Take Care
Dr.Indu XXXXXXX
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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