Association of human leukocyte class II antigens with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease in a Brazilian population.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The incidence of rheumatic heart disease is great in Brazil. We analyzed the distribution of human leukocyte (HLA) antigens in a Brazilian population sample with rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease, with the aim of better understanding the mechanisms involved.

METHODS AND RESULTS:

HLA class I (A, B, and C) and class II (DR and DQ) antigen distribution was studied in 40 patients with diagnosis of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease and compared with a control group of 617 healthy individuals for class I typing, from which 118 were drawn for class II typing. A strong correlation between rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease and HLA-DRw53 (72.9% in the disease group versus 39% in the control group: p = 0.00061, relative risk, 4.2; etiologic fraction, 0.43) was found. We also found an increase in the frequency of HLA-DR7 (57.5% in the disease group versus 26.3% in control group: p = 0.00715; relative risk, 3.8; etiologic fraction, 0.56). HLA class I and HLA-DQ typing did not point to any association with these diseases.

CONCLUSIONS:

HLA-DR7 and HLA-DRw53 are markers for susceptibility to rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in Brazil. These results could be explained by genetic differences resulting from racial or geographical diversity.

• Authors: L Guilherme, W Weidebach, M H Kiss, R Snitcowsky, J Kalil
• Journal: Circulation (Circulation) Vol. 83 Issue 6 Pg. 1995-8 (Jun 1991) ISSN: 0009-7322 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2040052 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• HLA-DQ Antigens
• HLA-DR Antigens
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Brazil
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Female
• HLA-DQ Antigens (analysis)
• HLA-DR Antigens (analysis)
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class I (analysis)
• Histocompatibility Antigens Class II (analysis)
• Humans
• Leukocytes (immunology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Rheumatic Fever (immunology, pathology)
• Rheumatic Heart Disease (immunology, pathology)