Prospective epidemiological study of the prevalence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B*5701 in HIV‐1‐infected UK subjects

Objectives

Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐B^*5701 is strongly associated with developing a hypersensitivity reaction to abacavir (ABC) in White and Hispanic subjects. Across the UK, limited data exist on HLA‐B^*5701 prevalence in HIV‐1‐infected subjects. We determined HLA‐B^*5701 prevalence in the general HIV‐1‐infected population and in specific ethnic groups, particularly Black Africans who, in general, exhibit greater genetic diversity. We also compared HLA‐B^*5701 results obtained from local laboratories with those from a central provider.

Design and methods

Multi‐centre, observational study. All HIV‐1‐infected adult individuals receiving care at participating centres were eligible, irrespective of treatment status or prior exposure to ABC. Subjects provided samples for HLA‐B^*5701 assessment by both local (blood) and central laboratories (buccal swabs). HLA‐B^*5701 prevalence was adjusted to represent the ethnic group composition of the general UK population, and by main ethnic group.

Results

From eight UK centres, 1494 subjects [618 (41%) White, 770 (52%) Black] were recruited. Eighty‐nine per cent of Black subjects reported an immediate country of origin in Africa. Overall adjusted HLA‐B^*5701 prevalence was 4.55% [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.49% to 5.60%]. Among White subjects, prevalence was 7.93% (CI 5.80% to 10.06%). Among Black subjects, only two (both Ugandan) were HLA‐B^*5701 positive giving a rate of 0.26% (CI 0.07% to 0.94%).

Conclusions

HLA‐B^*5701 prevalence was similar to previously reported rates in White HIV‐infected subjects but considerably lower than that reported in Black HIV‐1‐infected subjects, as a result of the large proportion of Black African subjects.