V. Castro et al., Frequencies of platelet-specific alloantigen systems 1-5 in three distinctethnic groups in Brazil, EUR J IMM, 26(5), 1999, pp. 355-360
The human platelet antigen (HPA) systems are related to immune platelet dis
orders as well as to the development of occlusive vascular disease. Several
distinct biallelic HPA systems are known, and a heterogeneous distribution
of HPA alleles has been described among distinct ethnic groups. In this st
udy we genotyped 320 carefully selected individuals from three distinct eth
nic groups in Brazil (Caucasians, Blacks and Amazonian Indians) for the HPA
-1, -2, -3, -4 and -5 systems. A similar prevalence for all HPA alleles was
found in Brazilians of Caucasian and Black descent. These data contrast wi
th those reported for similar ethnic groups in other countries. Among the A
mazonian Indians, no b allele of the HPA-1, -4 and -5 systems was identifie
d. The data presented here could be useful in the diagnosis of alloimmune p
latelet disease, in genetic counselling and in the development of screening
programmes for HPA-related diseases.