Gram-negative bacteria, HLA-B27 and inflammatory bowel disease

Lymphocytes from 48 IBD patients including nine with HLA-B27 were examined for their capacity to absorb Y.enterocolitica 0:9 antiserum. They possessed a range of absorption ability which was unconnected with HLA-B27 status. Samples of lymphocytes from 28 AS patients, 10 RA patients and 28 normal control subjects were included for comparison. The significance of the findings is discussed.