Epidemiology of the major histocompatibility complex-human leukocyte antigen in the Macedonian population

Human leukocyte antigens (HLA) at loci A (14 antigens) and loci B (29 antig ens) were determined in 2,385 healthy Macedonians, using the microlymphocyt otoxicity test. Results were compared with those obtained in Caucasians. Th e most common HLA antigens in the Macedonian population are :A2 (51.65%), A l (25.87%), A3 (17.14%) and A24 (20.41%) for loci A and B51 (32.03%), B35 ( 23.98%), B8 (12.11%), B44 (12.11%), B7 (11.48%) and B18 (10.23%) for loci B . these frequencies are similar to those found in Caucasians. However, anti gens B12, B44, B7, B8 and especially B15 are more common in Caucasians, whi le B51 and B35 antigens are more common in the Macedonian population. The m ost common haplotypes in the Macedonian population are: A2/B51 (15.68%), A2 /B35 (10.35%), A2/B12 (7.79%), A9/B51 (7.50%) and A1/B8 (7.50%). The freque ncies of HLA antigens were also determined in 348 patients with chronic ren al disease and compared with those observed in the healthy population (2,38 5 subjects). No significant differences was observed between HLA frequencie s depicted in patients and those described in healthy individuals. Results should therefore make easier the finding of compatible kidney transplants i n the Macedonian population. (C) 2000 Editions scientifiques et medicales E lsevier SAS.