Seroprevalence of HIV and frequencies of haemoglobin genotypes, ABO and Rh blood groups, among premarital couples in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPremarital screening is fast gaining ground as a prerequisite for the solemnisation of holy matrimony by many faith-based organisations in Nigeria, yet there is scanty literature on the subject.MethodsFifty (50) premarital heterosexual couples (50 males and 50 females) were screened for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), haemoglobin genotypes, and ABO and Rh blood groups using standard laboratory procedures.ResultsThe prevalence of HIV in this study was found to be 2.0%. The frequencies of the haemoglobin genotypes were as follows: HbAA (72%), HbAS (26%) and HbAC (2.0%), while that of ABO and Rh blood groups were: group A (22%), B (14%), AB (0%), 0 (64%), Rh ‘D’ positive (96%) and Rh ‘D’ negative (4.0%). The distribution of these variables between the sexes was statistically significant (x2 = 21.630, p< 0.01). The frequencies of the haemoglobin genotype combinations of the intending couples were as follows: HbAA/AA (52%), AA/AS (36%), AA/AC (4.0%) and AS/AS (8.0%). This ...