HLA CLASS-II DNA TYPING AND SUBSEQUENT TRANSPLANTATION OF AN APLASTIC-ANEMIA PATIENT USING HAIR-FOLLICLES AS A DNA SOURCE

Identification of HLA-DR, DQ and DP alleles at the DNA level is an imp ortant tool for bone marrow transplantation (BMT). We recently encount ered an aplastic anemia patient for whom the ability of molecular HLA typing to utilize alternative sources of DNA proved to be fundamental for her treatment. After repeated failures to obtain HLA typing using peripheral blood, HLA-DR and DQ alleles were identified by molecular t echniques utilizing two hairs as a source of DNA, ultimately resulting in successful BMT from a sibling donor. This case clearly illustrates the potential of DNA methodologies for HLA typing in patients whose c ondition precludes the use of more traditional methods.