Allele and haplotype frequencies at human leukocyte antigen class I and II genes in Venezuela's population.

Population studies represent an integral part and link in understanding the complex chain of host-pathogen interactions, disease pathogenesis, and MHC gene polymorphisms. Genes of Mongoloid, Caucasoid, and Negroid populations have created a distinctive HLA genetic profile in the Venezuelan population. Our objective was to determine the predominant HLA class I and II alleles and haplotype frequencies in the hybrid population of Venezuela.

Genotype F prevails in Venezuelan urban patients with chronic hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) has been classified into 8 genotypes (A-H). Genotypes A, D and F have been identified in some South American countries, but in Venezuela studies have been more restricted to aboriginal communities where genotype F is predominant. The aim of the present study was to identify the prevalence of HBV genotypes among native HBsAg carriers in Venezuelan urban areas.

Genetic contribution of major histocompatibility complex class II region to type 1 autoimmune hepatitis susceptibility in Venezuela.

Aims: Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive liver disease characterized by the presence of circulating autoantibodies, hypergammaglobulinaemia and a favourable response to immunosuppressive treatment. Although the pathogenesis of type 1 AIH is unknown, disease susceptibility is partially determined by genes linked to the class II region of the major histocompatibility complex. Type 1 AIH has been associated with DRB1*03, DRB1*04 and DRB3 alleles in European and North American Caucasians, with DRB1*0405 in Japanese, with DRB1*0404 in Mexican, and with DRB1*1301 in Argentinean populations.