FREQUENCY AND DISRTIBUTION OF ABO AND RHESUS BLOOD GROUP IN NORTHERN AREAS OF KASHMIR VALLEY ADJAECENT TO LINE OF CONTROL.

Abstract

Background: Distribution of blood groups varies demographically. ABO and Rh blood group systems are major clinically signicant blood group systems despite that more than 400 red cell antigens have been identied. Blood groups are genetically determined. ABO and Rh blood groups systems besides being most important in blood transfusion, are also important in forensic pathology, disease susceptibility and population genetics. This study aims to determine frequency and distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among the permanent residents of northern areas of Kashmir valley adjacent to line of control. Aim and Objective: The present study was designed to determine frequency and distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among blood donors in northern areas of Kashmir valley adjacent to line of control and compare the results with data available from studies conducted with in India and other countries. Material and Methods: This study was a two and half years prospective study conducted in the department of Pathology Government Medical College Baramulla from January 2020 to June 2022 . Only permanent residents of northern areas of Kashmir valley were included in the study. Blood donors who were not permanent residents of northern areas were excluded from the study. Blood donors were selected after proper history and complete examination. Blood donors fullling all eligibility criteria's for blood donation were selected. Determination of ABO and Rh status was done by tile method of agglutination using commercially available anti-Seras. Results: Out of total 4609 voluntary blood donors 4104 (89.04%) were Rh positive and 505 (10.96%) were Rh Negative. 1338 (29.03%) were O positive,1333 (28.92%) were B positive, 1025 (22.23%) were Apositive, 408 (8.8%) were AB positive, 187 (4.05%) were O negative, 156 (3.38%) were B negative, 102 (2.21%) were Anegative and 60 (1.30%) were AB negative. Conclusion: In the Northern areas of Kashmir valley adjacent to line of control O Positive is the most prevalent blood group followed by B positive and AB negative is least prevalent followed by Anegative.