Gene frequency and linkage disequilibrium within the HLA-DRB region in Egyptians using PCR-based reversed hybridization oligonucleotide genotyping

HLA class II alleles were studied in 278 Egyptians. Gene frequency as well as linkage [haplotypic association] between HLA-DRB1, HLA- DRB3, HLA-DRB4 and HLA-DRB5 types were defined. A new unexpected haplotype linked with DRB5 was also detected. It was concluded that PCR based reversed hybridization genotyping is a reliable technique for DNA- based HLA-DR typing. In addition, this specific population study has important implications for unrelated bone marrow and other organ donor registries in Egypt