HLA class I and class II antigens associated with multiple myeloma in southern Africa

Summary While the exact aetiology of myeloma is unknown, genetic factors feature among the potential risk factors. The HLA phenotypes in African blacks with myeloma (the commonest haematopoietic malignancy in this group) have not been characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine the HLA class I and class II phenotypes of patients with multiple myeloma and to compare the findings to an ethnically matched control group of 100 individuals. Analysis of the HLA class I and class II phenotypes in 62 myeloma patients revealed: (i) a corresponding statistically significant association with HLA B18 [odds ratio (OR) 6.3; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.013–39.727; P