Identification of HLA alleles class I and class II in co-infected patients with leprosy and AIDS

Abstract

In the attempt to elucidate the mechanisms that direct to the clinical forms of leprosy, HLA complex has been widely studied. Positive associations of the alelles were observed for HLA-DR2 and HLA-DR3 with the tuberculoid form (HT) and alelle HLA-DQ1 with the lepromatous form (HV). In relation to HIV, HLA-B35 and HLA-Cw4 class I alleles seem to be more strongly associated with immunological deterioration and accelerated aids progression. Class I HLA-A1, HLA-B8, HLA-B27, HLA-Cw7 and class II alleles, HLA-DR3 and HLA-DQ2 are associated with long-term nonprogressive disease. Because no literature data has described the participation of alelles HLA in individuals co-infected with leprosy and HIV, the present study aimed at evaluating in class I ( locus A,B,C) and class II (locus DR and DQ) HLA frequencies in co-infected patients, attended at the Instituto Lauro
of Souza Lima, Bauru. It was possible to observe that presence of alelles associated with fast progression of aids did not infl uence the clinical spectrum of leprosy. Although HIV infection intensively affects the immune system, it seems not to lead to leprosy multibacillary forms. Since co-infection HIV/M.leprae is an important event in endemic areas for both diseases such as Brazil, more patients should be evaluated in order to increase the signifi cant of these fi ndings.