Which genetic marker is strongly associated with enteropathic arthropathies?

• A. HLA-B27
• B. HLA-DR4
• C. HLA-B51
• D. HLA-A3

Answer: (A)

HLA-B27 is the strongest genetic marker linked to enteropathic arthropathies. These arthritis forms occur with inflammatory bowel disease and share features with other spondyloarthropathies, especially axial involvement. HLA-B27, a class I MHC molecule, is found at a higher frequency in patients with these conditions than in the general population, suggesting a role in disease susceptibility. The presence of HLA-B27 helps explain why these patients often develop spine and enthesis–related inflammation, and it connects enteropathic arthritis to related conditions like ankylosing spondylitis and reactive arthritis, where this marker is also prevalent. Other HLA types (for example, DR4, B51, or A3) are more strongly associated with different diseases and do not show this same robust link to enteropathic arthropathies, making HLA-B27 the best answer.