Font Size
A
A
A

Ankylosing Spondylitis, Neurologic Perspective (cont.)

AS Neurologic Causes

  • About 90-95% of persons with AS have the human leukocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27) antigen, but not everyone who has that antigen develops AS.


  • Presumably, a fairly benign bacterium or virus can be antigenically similar to human ligaments. This speculation is more applicable to spondylitis associated with reactive arthritis (Reiter disease) than AS.


  • In a genetically susceptible individual, a mild infection may stimulate an abnormal immune response, causing the development of AS. Again, this speculation is more applicable to spondylitis associated with reactive arthritis (Reiter disease) than AS.



Next: AS Neurologic Symptoms »

Printer-Friendly Format  |  Email to a Friend


Arthritis

Get the latest treatment options

Are You Depressed? Take the Quiz


Read What Your Physician is Reading on eMedicine

Ankylosing Spondylitis »

Spondyloarthritis or spondyloarthropathy refers to a group of chronic inflammatory conditions affecting the joints, tendon and ligament attachments, and sometimes nonskeletal structures.

Read More on eMedicine »

Medical Dictionary