[HLA antigens in Chagas cardiomyopathy: new evidence based on a case-control study]

We studied the distribution of HLA, B and C antigens in 73 Chagasic subjects with and without heart disease. Both groups were matched for age, sex, birth place and history of family residence. Thirty two subjects without evidence of Chagasic infection, with and without heart disease and matched for the same variables were also studied. Compared to all other groups, a significant increase in the level of the B40 Cw3 antigen combination was found in Chagasic subjects without evidence of heart disease.