HLA antigens in Jews with pemphigus vulgaris

The association of HLA antigens with pemphigus in Jewish patients of various ethnic origins was investigated. Of 45 Ashkenazi patients, 31 (68.6%) had A26 (p less than 10(-5) and 32 (7175) had BW38 ( less than 10(-5)0. Among the 11 non-Ashkenazi patients, 7 (63.6%) had A26 and only 1 had BW38. The question whether the antigen A26 or BW38 is linked with the disease is discussed. Our findings may suggest that the primary association of pemphigus is with A26. This association may be stronger in Jewish male patients than in females. In view of the recent literature and our results it may be presumed that pemphigus in Jews is associated with antigens of Loci A and DR. No differences between pemphigus vulgaris and pemphigus erythematosus were observed.