[Study of the association between human leukocyte antigens and Jorge Lobo's disease].

Jorge Lobo's disease is a cutaneous/subcutaneous mycosis with a chronic course, caused by the fungus Lacazia loboi. Considering its epidemiology and the few studies on immunological aspects of this disease, the objective of the present study was to investigate a possible association between HLA class II specificities in 21 Jorge Lobo's disease patients, by comparing them with healthy individual of the same ethnic group. HLA typing was performed using PCR-SSP method. The result did not show any association between HLA antigens and Jorge Lobo's disease. Although not statistically significant, a decreased frequency of HLA-DR7 was observed in the patients compared to the controls (0% x 18%). This suggests a negative association (protective) between HLA-DR7 and Jorge Lobo's disease. Further studies, however, are needed for a better understanding of the susceptibility and/or protection mechanisms involved.