HLA class I and class II allele distribution in the Peruvian population

The distribution of HLA-A, -B, -C, -DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles in the Peruvian population was studied and compared with those of other populations in orde r to provide further information about their anthropological origin. Our da ta are consistent with the Mestizo character of this population. In terms o f genetic distance Peruvians are closest to Bolivians, which is in agreemen t with the geographical location and the cultural and anthropological backg round of the two human groups. Several HLA-B alleles originally described i n genetically isolated Amerindian tribes are also present in the sample stu died here. This fact and the reported finding of these alleles in several A merindian groups suggests that they were present in the first wave of human s that populated South America (Paleoindians) before they split to give ris e to the different South American tribes.