HLA-B*57:01 is a genetic risk factor for hypersensitivity reactions to abacavir, an antiretroviral drug used in HIV therapy. The HLA-B5701 RealFast™ Assay determines the presence or absence of HLA-B*57:01 alleles in patients.
HLA-B5701
- Abacavir is used in antiretroviral combination therapy for the treatment of HIV-infected patients.
- The HLA-B*57:01 allele, a variant of the human leukocyte antigen B (HLA-B) gene, is strongly associated with abacavir hypersensitivity. HLA-B*57:01 positive patients must be excluded from such treatment.
- Screening of patients for the presence of HLA-B*57:01 before starting abacavir therapy reduces the incidence of hypersensitivity reactions (HSR).