Association of HLA and other genetic MAC in South Indian patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

Abstract Histocompatibility antigens (A, B & C loci) and 23 other single gene characters were studied in 204 pulmonary tuberculosis patients belonging to a single endogamous group in South India. None of the previously reported associations with HLA antigens was confirmed, nor any new one found. The blood 0 and Rh negative associations were also not confirmed, although a new association with the Jk blood group system appears possible. Of particular interest is the association with the phosphoglucomutase (PGM1) system, which parallels that found in a different population located some 1000 km away. Relative risks were calculated to measure the resistance of individuals with the PGM1∗2+ allele.