The evaluation of HLA-DRB1 antigens as susceptibility markers for unilocular cystic echinococcosis in Egyptian patients

This is the first study dealing with the correlation between HLA antigens and cystic echinococcosis (CE) in Egyptian patients. The potential immunogenetic predisposition for susceptibility and resistance to unilocular echinococcosis was investigated by HLA-DRB1 typing; first by HLA-DRB1 amplification using PCR then using the allele-specific probing technique based on the reverse hybridization principle. The study was carried out on 35 patients with confirmed CE, and 100 apparently healthy individuals. A statistically significant positive association was found between HLA-DR3 and HLA-DR11 and the occurrence of CE. HLA-DR3 antigen was positively associated with the occurrence of isolated pulmonary cysts, multiple cysts, cysts >5 cm in size, non-cured disease and with a common radiological picture of hydatid cyst. A significant positive association of HLA-DR11 with the occurrence of cysts <5 cm in size was detected. This study demonstrates that carriers of DR-3 and DR-11 are at high risk for CE, and that those with DR-3 are more liable to complications.