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HLA-B27 is a white blood cell antigen which may be inherited by some individuals from either one or both the parent's. Various studies proved the association of this antigen with ankylosing spondylitis(AS), which is a rheumatic disease that effects the spine which may lead to some degree of stiffness of the back. It can also effect other joints, tendons ligaments and other organs such as the eyes and the heart.
The presence of HLA-B27 antigen is not the sole contributing causative factor for AS. There is evidence to say that this antigen along with the presence of an unknown etiological factor(EF) have been responsible for initiating and flare-up of the condition. The relative risk of HLA-B27 developing AS is 91.0, which indicates how much greater the risk is for developing AS in a carrier of this antigen as compared to a person negative for this antigen. Typically AS attacks young men but can occur in women as well.
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