Histocompatibility antigens in Egyptians with cutaneous leishmaniasis: a preliminary study.

The frequency of human leucocytic antigens (HLA) were studied in 27 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis to evaluate the role of HLA antigens as genetic markers in the pathogenesis of this protozoal skin infection. A significant statistical association was observed between HLA-A11, -B5 and -B7 antigens and diffuse cutaneous leishmaniasis. In conclusion, study of immune response genes could be of value to understand the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for cutaneous leishmaniasis.