Immunogenetic Studies of Two Recently Contacted Populations from Papua New Guinea

Document Type

Article

Authors

Kuldeep Bhata, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research
Carol Jenkins, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research
Madhuri Prasad, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research
George Koki, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research
Julie Lombange, Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research

Abstract

We have examined the HLA profiles of the Hagahai and the Haruai people, two linguistic groups in the remote western Schrader mountains who have only recently had administrative contact, and compared them with those of other populations in Papua New Guinea. None of the antigens detected in the two groups was found missing in other populations although significant differences in allele frequencies exist. Recent contact history does not appear to have played any significant role in shaping these differences. Similarly, no evidence of differential selection pressures contributing to HLA heterogeneity was found. The genetic profiles of the Hagahai and the Haruai appear to be a result of recent admixture between unrelated, genetically disparate groups.

Recommended Citation

Bhata, Kuldeep; Jenkins, Carol; Prasad, Madhuri; Koki, George; and Lombange, Julie (1989) "Immunogenetic Studies of Two Recently Contacted Populations from Papua New Guinea," Human Biology: Vol. 61: Iss. 1, Article 7.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.wayne.edu/humbiol/vol61/iss1/7