Behcet’s Disease in Southeast Asia. Clinical Features, Genetic Study, and Review of Recent Treatment

Abstract

Behçet’s disease (BD) is a chronic systemic inflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent oral and genital ulcers, skin lesions, and ocular inflammations. It also can affect other organs such as blood vessels, nervous, gastrointestinal, and articular systems. The disease has a worldwide distribution, but is more prevalent in countries along the Silk Road. Genetic study has shown that the disease is associated with the presence of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B*51/B%51:01. BD is considered an uncommon disease in Southeast Asia, and only a few case series have been reported. This article reviews the clinical manifestations and genetic association of BD in Southeast Asian countries and compares them with those in East Asia, South Asia, and the Middle East. It also updated the treatment of BD, particularly the use of biologic agents.