My Husband is HLA-B27 positive

Can this gene cause males not to be able to have children?

[Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC]

HLA-B27 refers to a specific variation of the HLA-B gene that is associated with susceptibility to ankylosing spondylitis, not male infertility. Ankylosing spondylitis is an autoimmune condition that causes chronic inflammatory arthritis primarily affecting the spine.

The disorder causes inflammation of the joints between spinal vertebrae, which is called spondylitis. Inflammation can also occur in other joints as well, including the shoulders, hips, and limb joints. Eye involvement is also common with iridocyclitis causing eye pain and sensitivity to light (called photophobia). Over time, complete fusion of spinal vertebrae can occur (known as bamboo spine), which limits movement. Fixation or fusion of a joint is called ankylosis. With ankylosing spondylitis, symptoms can worsen, improve or stop altogether. We hope this information is helpful.