Frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in rheumatoid arthritis patients in Zahedan, southeast Iran.

Background And Objectives: Analysis of the role of different alleles of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients is necessary in many populations and geographical areas. The aim of the present study was to investigate the frequency of HLA-DRB1 alleles in RA patients, comparing with that in control group in southeast Iran.

Design And Setting: Case-control study of rheumatoid arthritis patients referred to rheumatology clinic at university hospital.