HLA- B*5701 Allele in HIV-infected Indian Children and its Association with Abacavir Hypersensitivity.

Objective: To determine the prevalence of HLA-B*5701 allele in HIV-infected children, and to find its association with Abacavir hypersensitivity.

Methods: Children (2 to 18 y) already on, or to be initiated on Abacavir were included for PCR sequencing to detect HLA-B*5701.

Outcome Measures Were: proportion with HLA B*5701 allele and hypersensitivity with Abacavir. Abacavir was stopped if patient tested positive for HLA-B*5701 allele.

Results: 100 children (median age 11 y) were enrolled; 10 were already on Abacavir. HLA-B*5701 positivity was observed in 11 (11%) children. Two of these 11 children developed hypersensitivity after initiation of Abacavir. Abacavir was thereafter stopped in all who tested HLA-B*5701 positive, irrespective of the development of hypersensitivity reaction.

Conclusion: HLA-B*5701 allele was present in 11 (11%) of HIV-infected children, of which two developed Abacavir hypersensitivity. None of the patients without the allele developed hypersensitivity.