Haptoglobin Genotypes In Chagas' Disease.

To investigate the existence of an association between haptoglobin (Hp) genotypes and the severity of heart complications in Chagas' disease. Hp genotyping was performed by PCR in 107 Brazilian patients sub-classified in asymptomatic, with mild heart disease and with severe heart disease. Multiple logistic regression (R(2)=24%) indicated that patients with the Hp1-1 genotype have lower probability of developing the severe heart complications. The Hp polymorphism may influence the clinical evolution of Chagas' disease.43314-