Study of association between HLA molecules and toxoplasmosis in patients on dialysis and kidney transplant

Resumo

Toxoplasma gondii caused primary infections are asymptomatic after activation of the immunological system and immunocompromised people are the target of opportunist infections. They are directly linked to the individual´s immunity and the Main Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) is involved in the function. Current analysis investigates the frequency of HLA class I (HLA-A and HLA-B) and II (HLA-DRB1) specificities and compares anti-T.gondii antibodies and frequency of HLA specificities in the blood of patients undergoing dialysis and of kidney-transplant patients. Two hundred and fifty-six patients participated in current study, of which 203 were undergoing dialysis and 53 underwent kidney transplantation; control comprised 73 healthy individuals. Quantitative ELISA test (microparticle enzyme immunoassay – MEIA - Abbott AxSYM® SYSTEM) was employed for the detection and characterization of antibodies. All patients were typed for HLA Classes I and II. Alleles involved in the susceptibility and/or protection against toxoplasmosis were not detected for HLA class I. Since a higher frequency of alleles DRB1*17 and DRB1*07 in HLA Class II molecules was detected, a relationship with susceptibility genetic marker has been suggested. Current investigation suggests the participation of HLA Class I and II specificities in the resistance against and susceptibility to toxoplasmosis.