[Genetic markers of erythrocyte blood groups in multiple sclerosis among the Armenian population].

The isoserologic systems, including AB, Rh-Hz, MNSs, Duffy, Kidd, Kell-Chellano, Lutheran, Diego, and Lewis ones were investigated in 50 patients with disseminated sclerosis and in the general population. An increased rate of the Duffy phenotype (a-b+) is reported in the patients versus the population control. Individuals with this phenotype are at three times as great a risk of developing disseminated sclerosis than those with the Duffy phenotype (a+b-). The Duffy antigen (b+) is considered as a possible genetic marker of the disease in the Armenian population.