FEATURES OF SPONDYLOARTHRITIS AROUND THE WORLD

Interactions between genetic and environmental factors are important i n the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies. Studies on these conditio ns in different racial groups provide further useful insights into the relative importance of these factors. Evidence accrued so far has con firmed that human leukocyte antigen B27 is a major player in the devel opment of these conditions. Other genetic factors, however may have mo difying effects on the onset and clinical presentation of spondyloarth ropathies in these patients. The importance of environmental factors i n the pathogenesis of spondyloarthropathies, particularly microbial in fections that involve the gastrointestinal tract, is exemplified by st udies from Africa, Mexico, and Asia. Lately, the human immunodeficienc y virus also has been suggested to cause an increase in incidence of s pondyloarthritis in epidemic areas such as Africa and Southeast Asia.