Abstract
Hemoglobin variants, ABO and Rhesus blood groups vary from one population to another. The study was designed to sample pregnant women population from Ayetoro community of Ogun state, Nigeria, for the purpose of updating information on the prevalence o f abnormal hemoglobin variants, ABO and Rh blood groups and compare the results with previously publ ished data. Hospital records of recruited pregnant women were sorted out for the determination of the prevalence of hemoglobin variants, ABO and Rh blood groups. Blood group O were the most prevalent (59.1%) followed by groups A (19.1%), B (17.1%) and AB (4.8%). Rhesus D antigen was positive in 97.1% and negative in 2.9% of the study population. Four genotypes; HbAA (70.5%), HbAS (18.1%), HbAC (10.5%) and HbCC (1.0%) were reported in this study. The occurrence of the hemoglobin variants and the d ifferent ABO blood groups varied significantly (p<0.05). The frequency of ABO and Rhesus blood groups from this study is consistent with reports from previous studies in Nigeria. The study helps in the formulation of genetic counseling policies to help prospective mothers make informed decisions before and after giving birth.
Highlights
The ABO and Rh blood groups are among the most important blood groups (Seeley et al, 2008)
Histo-blood groups and related antigens are expressed in the endometrium and are modulated by the hormonal environment (Skovlund, 1997), but are not expressed in the placenta and fetal endothelium where only other related blood groups can be detected in the interstitial trophoblast directly opposed to the maternal deciduas (Ravn and Dabelsteen, 2000)
This study presents the frequency distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups and the frequency distribution of blood genotypes in this pregnant women population
Summary
The ABO and Rh blood groups are among the most important blood groups (Seeley et al, 2008). ABO blood groups are carbohydrate histo-blood antigens that are expressed in many tissues and which have important roles in modulating protein activities both in infection and in some types of cancer (Greenwell, 1997). These antigens are formed by terminal glycosylation of glycoproteins and glycolipid chains present on cell surfaces. Examination of the glycan expression at the fetomaternal interface using lectins, some with ABO determinant specificity have shown binding with placental structures (Thrower et al, 1990; Jones et al, 1997)
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