HLA typing B5 locus Test

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B5 and HLA- B51 genes are important in the pathogenesis of a disease. Positive result in the HLA- B51 test indicates increase in the risk for Behcet's disease by six times.

For the patients who are at risk for Behcet's disease.

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic vasculitis of arteries and veins of all sizes characterized by recurrent oral ulcers, genital ulcers, ocular and skin involvement, and other multisystemic features. HLA B5 has two splits B*51 and B*52 of which only B*51 is important in the etiology of Behcet’s disease. HLA B* 51 and B*52 have almost similar distribution in Indian population ranging from 6.8- 15% in various ethnic groups in the country. Ocular involvement, which could lead to serious complications, is a very important feature of Behcet’s disease. HLA- B *51 positivity increases the risk for Behcet’s disease by six times. HLA– B*52 is not associated with additional risk.