HLA-B51 details
What HLA-B51 shows
HLA-B51 is an inherited version of an HLA gene, part of the system your immune cells use to recognize proteins. It is the genetic marker most consistently associated with Behçet's disease, a condition that can cause recurrent mouth and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and eye inflammation. This test is used as supportive information when Behçet's disease is being considered. A positive result raises the likelihood of the condition but does not establish it, since many healthy people carry HLA-B51, and many people with Behçet's disease do not. It is a lifelong result rather than a changing level, and the diagnosis relies on clinical features.
Tests that include HLA-B51
This syndrome due to multisystem chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels has variable presentation of recurrent mouth ulcers, genital ulcers, inflammation of the eye (Uveitis), and gastrointestinal symptoms. HLA-B*51:02 shows the strongest association with the disease, but it is not diagnostic. The disease distribution is worldwide but clusters in the area that extends from Eastern Asia to the Mediterranean region (Silk Route disease).
- HLA-B51 Checks whether you carry HLA-B51, an inherited immune gene type associated with Behçet's disease, an inflammatory condition affecting blood vessels, mouth, skin, and eyes.
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