Which human leukocyte antigen allele is carried by more than 90 percent of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis?
- A HLA-DR4
- B HLA-B27
- C HLA-DQ2 ✓
- D HLA-B51
Correct answer: C. HLA-DQ2
Explanation
Dermatitis herpetiformis shares its genetic background with celiac disease, with HLA-DQ2 present in over 90 percent of patients and HLA-DQ8 accounting for most of the remainder. HLA-B27 relates to seronegative spondyloarthropathies, HLA-DR4 to rheumatoid arthritis, and HLA-B51 to Behcet disease. Nearly all patients with dermatitis herpetiformis also have gluten-sensitive enteropathy on duodenal biopsy.
Reference: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
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