Background: The finding of strong associations between certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes and the development of severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions (SCARs), [for example, HLA-B*57:01 and abacavir (ABC), HLA-B*15:02 and carbamazepine (CBZ) and HLA-B*58:01 and allopurinol], has led to HLA screening being used to prevent SCARs. Screening has been shown to be of great benefit in a number of studies. Clinical translation from bench to bedside, however, depends upon the development of simple, rapid and cost-effective assays to detect these risk alleles. In highly populated developing countries such as Vietnam, where there is a high prevalence of HLA-B*15:02 and HLA-B*58:01 correlating with a high incidence of CBZ- and allopurinol-induced SCARs, the crucial factor in the implementation of comprehensive screening programs to detect these major risk HLA alleles is the availability of suitable assays.
Body: We have summarized the role and economic benefits of HLA screening, reviewed published HLA screening methods used currently in pharmacogenetic screening and examined the advantages and disadvantages of assays developed specifically for use in screening for risk alleles in the prevention of HLA-associated SCARs in Vietnam.
Conclusion: The optimal approach we propose may serve as a template for the development of screening programs in other emergent countries.
Keywords: HLA; HLA screening; HLA typing; Real-time PCR; SCARs; Severe cutaneous adverse drug reactions.