Alloantibodies to HLA Class 1 Antigens Detected in Multiparous Women of African Descent Are Significantly Associated with Age, ABO/Rh Blood Groups and Parity

Abstract

The prevalence of alloantibodies to HLA class 1 antigens has not been reported in Nigeria and West Africa. This study was aimed at determining the prevalence of anti- HLA class 1 antibody and also evaluates its association with age, blood groups, parity and ethnicity. A cross section of apparently healthy adult multiparous women from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nigeria were screened for alloantibody to HLA class 1 antigens using the GTI PakPlus ® qualitative solid phase ELISA reagent. Their ABO/Rh blood groups were also determined using standard haemagglutination tube technique. The prevalence of alloantibodies to HLA class 1 antigen was 22.0%. ABO/Rh blood groups were obtained as follows. O Rh D + (68%), O Rh D - (4.0%) A RhD + (14.0%), A Rh D + (2.0%), B Rh D + (10%) and AB Rh D (2.0%). Statistical analysis using Fisher’s Exact test revealed that age, parity and ABO/Rh blood groups exerted significant influence on the prevalence of anti-HLA Class I antibodies (Fisher’s Exact test = 14.188, P< 0.001; 10.891, P< 0.01 and 9.046, P< 0.05 for age, parity and blood groups respectively). No association was found between ethnicity and HLA class 1 antibody. This study has revealed a high prevalence rate of HLA class 1 antibodies. A significant observation of this study was that factors like age, parity and ABO/Rh blood groups play prominent roles in the development of these cytotoxic antibodies.