Serum genetic markers in a Newfoundland isolate with a familial aggregate of Hodgkin's disease.

Inherited genetic markers on the immunoglobulins and three other serum proteins were investigated in members of an isolated Newfoundland community. The frequencies found were compared with those from Europe. Whilst the incidence of the commonest variant forms were typically 'European', the occurrence of rare phenotypes pointed towards specific admixture from American Indians and Scandinavia. A possible contribution of these rare alleles, and of others, to pathogenesis in a familial aggregate of Hodgkin's disease within this community is discussed.