Scientists have identified a specific gene, known as HLA-B27 (human leukocyte antigen B27), which is closely associated with the development of ankylosing spondylitis.
Risk factors for developing ankylosing spondylitis include -
- Gender - Men are affected more commonly than women.
- Age - Individuals between 15-40 years of age are most commonly affected.
- Hereditary - Heredity plays a major role in predisposing to the disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is often present in persons whose relatives are already affected by it.
- Colon Ulcers - Patients with bowel ulcers are at a risk of developing ankylosing spondylitis.
- Reiter's disease - Reiter's disease is a joint disease, where multiple joints of the body are affected. Patients affected by Reiter's disease are more susceptible to ankylosing spondylitis.