Genetic studies in human and murine giardiasis

Abstract

Genetic markers were analysed in 48 adults who appeared to have a prolonged infection with Giardia lamblia. The frequency of ABO blood groups, Rhesus blood groups, and Gm phenotypes was similar to that in control subjects. However, there was a higher than expected frequency of HLA antigens to A1 (observed 46.7%, expected 32%) and B12 (observed 47.8%, expected 25.8%) and a higher than expected frequency of the phenotypes A1/A2 and B12/B27. Genetic studies were also performed with inbred strains of mice showing relatively rapid (BALB/c) and defective (C3H/He) spontaneous elimination of Giardia muris. From analyses in backcross mice several genes appeared to influence susceptibility to prolonge..