HLA polymorphisms in Saudi Arabs

The HLA-A, -B, -C, -DR, Bf and GLO phenotypes of 109 unrelated Saudi Arab males have been determined. HLA-A and -B antigen frequencies were compared with data reported for European Caucasoids and various Arab populations. Most similarities in antigen frequencies were seen between Saudi Arab and Iraqi populations. A high frequency of Bw50 was observed in Saudi Arabs. The frequencies of HLA-DR antigens in Saudi Arabs were compared to European Caucasoids. HLA-DR7 was at high frequency in Saudi Arabs. Linkage disequilibria between alleles of HLA loci was examined. Many instances of previously reported antigen associations were seen in Saudi Arabs, together with a number of associations which have not been described elsewhere. HLA-Cw6-Bw50-DR7-BfS0.7 is suggested as being a common haplotype in Saudi Arabs.