Combining HLA-DRB1-DQB1 and Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercolosis (MAP) antibodies in Sardinian multiple sclerosis patients: associated or independent risk factors?

Background:Amongst Sardinians the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) DRB1-DQB1 haplotypes *15:02-*06:01, *16:01-*05:02, *14:01-4-*05:03 are protective for multiple sclerosis (MS), while *13:03-*03:01, *04:05-*03:01, *03:01-*02:01, *15:01-*06:02 andMycobacterium avium subspecies paratubercolosis (MAP)are predisposing factors. We studied the correlation between MAP and HLA.Methods:Five hundred thirty-one patients were searched for anti-MAP2694 antibodies, DRB1-DQB1 genotyping was performed. The haplotypes were classified as predisposing, neutral or protective.Results:Anti-MAP2694 were found in 23 % of subjects carrying one protective HLA versus 32 % without (p= 0.04).Conclusions:We showed a lower frequency of Abs in patients with protective HLA. These haplotypes could have a protective role for both MS and MAP.