Authors discuss briefly the genetic background in sarcoidosis. There are two main principles of studying the possible link between sarcoidosis and genes, the analysis of candidate genes or genomic screening by using microsatellite markers.Up to now there is no direct proof of possible genetic abnormalities in sarcoidosis. With increasing potential of molecular genetics further progress in this area can be expected.

        Key words: sarcoidosis - candidate genes - microsatellites - genetics.