INFLUENCE OF HLA-DR AND HLA-DQ PHENOTYPES ON TUBERCULIN REACTIVE STATUS IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS

Setting: HLA and tuberculin status in pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Tuberculosis Research Centre, Indian Council of Medical Research, Mad ras, India. Objective: To elucidate the role of HLA-class-II genes/gen e products on tuberculin reactivity in pulmonary tuberculosis patients . Design: Serological determination of HLA-DR and -DQ antigens was car ried out in 62 healthy control subjects and 146 pulmonary tuberculosis patients. The tuberculin reaction pattern of pulmonary tuberculosis p atients to PPD was studied and the role of HLA-DR and -DQ antigens (cl ass-II gene products) on tuberculin reaction was analysed. Results: HL A-DR and -DQ antigens did not influence high, medium and low tuberculi n reaction dramatically in active pulmonary tuberculosis patients. How ever, a heterozygous combination of various HLA-DR antigens influenced the tuberculin reaction. Conclusion: The HLA-genetic make up (heteroz ygous combination) of the individual may influence the tuberculin reac tion pattern in pulmonary tuberculosis.