Related Experiment Videos
Acute anterior uveitis, arthritides and enteric antigens
E Szanto1, K Granfors, B Wretlind
1Department of Clinical Bacteriology, Danderyd Hospital, Sweden.
Clinical Rheumatology
|December 1, 1991
Summary
The HLA-B27 tissue type is strongly linked to acute anterior uveitis (AAU) and inflammatory conditions like ankylosing spondylitis. Infections, particularly gastrointestinal ones, are more common in HLA-B27 positive AAU patients.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute anterior uveitis (AAU) is an inflammatory eye condition.
- The human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) tissue type is associated with certain autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between HLA-B27 and AAU.
- To determine the prevalence of spondylitis, arthritis, and infections in patients with AAU.
Main Methods:
- Studied 114 patients with AAU for HLA-B27 status.
- Assessed for spondylitis, arthritis, and history of gastrointestinal/urogenital infections.
- Measured antibody titers against specific bacteria using enzyme immunoassay (EIA).
Main Results:
- 76% of AAU patients were HLA-B27 positive.
- 78% of HLA-B27 positive patients had inflammatory spinal/joint disease (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, sacroiliitis).
- Increased incidence of enteric infections and elevated antibody titers against Klebsiella, E. coli, and Proteus mirabilis in HLA-B27 positive AAU patients.
Conclusions:
- HLA-B27 is strongly associated with AAU and related inflammatory conditions.
- Gastrointestinal infections may trigger or exacerbate AAU in HLA-B27 positive individuals.
- Further research into the role of microbial infections in HLA-B27 associated uveitis is warranted.