Does HLA-B27 positivity definitely mean ankylosing spondylitis?

　　HLA-B27 positive refers to a positive result for HLA-B27. Generally speaking, a positive HLA-B27 test does not necessarily mean an individual has ankylosing spondylitis, although there is a certain association between HLA-B27 positivity and ankylosing spondylitis. The specific analysis is as follows:

　　HLA-B27 is a human leukocyte antigen and serves as the most commonly used testing marker in diagnosing ankylosing spondylitis, as well as a specific indicator for the disease. In other words, there is a close relationship between HLA-B27 positivity and ankylosing spondylitis. Although clinical big data show that approximately 90% of patients with ankylosing spondylitis test positive for HLA-B27, only about 5%–10% of individuals who are HLA-B27 positive actually develop ankylosing spondylitis. Therefore, a positive HLA-B27 result does not automatically indicate the presence of ankylosing spondylitis. Typically, when HLA-B27 is positive, it may suggest ankylosing spondylitis, but could also be associated with other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, post-enteric arthritis, or reactive arthritis.

　　In summary, a positive HLA-B27 test does not definitively indicate ankylosing spondylitis and may be caused by other diseases. Therefore, if the test result is positive, it is essential to visit a正规 hospital and undergo further evaluations, including serological tests, liver tissue examination, liver function tests, and liver imaging studies, to confirm the diagnosis.