Molecular Detection of HLA-B27 Antigen Using PCR Technique: A Diagnostic Approach for Spondyloarthropathies in Clinical Practice

Background: Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)-B27 is a major genetic marker strongly associated with spondyloarthropathies (SpAs), a group of chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS), reactive arthritis (ReA), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Despite its well-documented connection with SpAs globally, data on HLA-B27 prevalence and subtypes in South Asia, specifically in Bangladesh, remains limited.Purpose: This study aims to determine the prevalence of HLA-B27 and its subtypes in the Bangladeshi population, with a focus on individuals clinically suspected of having SpA. Results:The prevalence of HLA-B27 was significantly higher among SpA patients (78%) compared to healthy controls (8.33%).Among the HLA-B27-positive samples, the most common subtypes were B2702 (57.69%),B2705 (25.64%),B2707 (12.82%), and B2709 (3.85%).The PCR test showed a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 91.67%, positive predictive value of 94%, and negative predictive value of 71%.A statistically significant association was found between HLA-B27 and inflammatory back pain (p = 0.05), although other clinical features did not show a significant correlation.