Rapid detection of HLA-B*5701 allele by in-house developed tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR

•Rapid and cost effective T-ARMS PCR method for genotyping HLA-B*5701 allele was developed.•Complete concordance was observed between the results of the developed assay and sequencing.•This method may be employed to screen patients before Abacavir therapy to avoid hypersensitivity.

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes help the immune system recognize and respond to foreign substances and pathogens. A version of HLA-B gene designated as HLA-B*5701, has been associated with hypersensitivity to Abacavir, a highly effective drug used to treat HIV infection. A single nucleotide polymorphism in human HCP5 gene known as rs2395029 (G) allele is 99.9% predictive of the presence of HLA-B*5701. Here, we report a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system PCR that provides a rapid, reproducible, cost-effective and accurate method to genotype HLA-B*5701 allele.