Rapid Detection of the Three Celiac Disease Risk Genotypes HLA-DQ2.2, HLA-DQ2.5, and HLA-DQ8 by Multiplex Ligation-Dependent Probe Amplification.

BACKGROUND: Genotyping of HLA-DQ2.2, HLA-DQ2.5, and HLA-DQ8 is important in celiac disease (CD). The absence of these three genotypes has a strong negative predictive value.

METHODS: We designed multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) for the combined detection of HLA-DQ2.2, HLA-DQ2.5, and HLA-DQ8. The MLPA probe mix was validated against a set of 59 samples characterized by conventional techniques.

RESULTS: The MLPA assay genotyped all 59 samples correctly when compared to the results obtained by PCR-SSCP/HD or PCR-SSO and PCR-SSP.

CONCLUSION: The MLPA assay provides a reliable single-reaction analysis of the CD risk genotypes HLA-DQ2.2, HLA-DQ2.5, and HLA-DQ8 allowing for stratification or exclusion of disease risk.