Serum antibodies to klebsiella capsular polysaccharides in ankylosing spondylitis

Abstract

Objective. To measure antibodies to Klebsiella capsular polysaccharides in the sera of HLA–B27 positive patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), compared with HLA–B27 positive and HLA–B27 negative healthy control subjects. Methods. Antibodies were detected by means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay specific for each of the 77 known Klebsiella serotypes. Results. Significantly elevated frequencies and titers of antibodies to capsular polysaccharides K26, K36, and K50 were detected in sera from AS patients, compared with controls. Conclusion. These results suggest the predominance of Klebsiella serotypes K26, K36, and K50 in patients with AS.