Results: The HLA-A*03 gene is significantly associated with delusional disorder as well as
with paranoid schizophrenia. This HLA gene alone or in linkage disequilibrium with other
HLA genes or other closely linked non-HLA genes may influence susceptibility to
delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia.
Conclusions: The study reveals important associations between HLA genes and paranoid
disorders. Delusional disorder and paranoid schizophrenia may share similar etiologic
mechanisms. This preliminary observation may help our understanding of the genetic basis
of these paranoid disorders.
(Can J Psychiatry 2006;51:342–349)
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