Gene frequencies of the HPA-1 to -6 and -15 human platelet antigens in Tunisian blood donors.

Gene frequencies of mainly human platelet antigens (HPA) -1 to -6 and -15 were determined in 116 Tunisian blood donors. The distribution of HPA-1, -3 and -5 systems approach those found in other Maghrebian populations. Tunisians have the highest frequency of HPA-1b and -5b alleles. The distribution of HPA-1a allele and HPA-4, -6 and -15 systems is similar to Caucasians. Phylogenetic study using the neighbor-joining method and principal component multivariate analysis demonstrate that Tunisians are more closely related to western than to eastern Mediterraneans. This immunogenetic study highlights the relatedness between Mediterranean populations and will serve as a baseline study for future clinical research involving platelet disorders among Tunisians.