HLA-ANTIGEN PROFILE IN PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS PATIENTS AND THEIR SPOUSES

HLA-A, -B, -DR and -DQ antigen profile was studied in pulmonary tuberc ulosis patients (n=209) and their spouses (family contacts; n=50) and healthy volunteers (n=72). An increased frequency of HLA-A-10, B7, B15 , DR2 and DQ1 was seen in the pulmonary-TB (PTB) patients when compare d to the total control subjects (n=122). However, a significant increa se was seen only, with HLA-DR2 (P < 0.001; Pc < 0.01; Relative Risk 2. 3) and -DQ1 (P < 0.005; Pc < 0.015; Relative Risk 2.8). Among the spou ses and the corresponding patients, a similar increase of HLA-DR2 was seen. A decreased frequency of HLA-A19, B8, B17, B35, DR5 and DR6 were seen in PTB as compared to control groups. The present study suggeste d that HLA-DR2 and DQ1 genes/gene products may be associated with the susceptibility to tuberculosis either alone or in combination with oth er HLA or non-HLA genes.