The frequency of feline AB blood types and the risk of incompatibility reactions in Bangkok, Thailand, and vicinities.

Abstract

Mismatched blood transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) are life-threatening conditions in cats. The distribution of feline blood types, which varies geographically, can estimate the risks of mismatched transfusion reactions and NI due to random mating. The objectives were to determine the frequency of feline AB blood types in Bangkok, Thailand, and surrounding vicinities and calculate the risks of transfusion reactions and NI in domestic shorthair (DSH) cats. A standard tube method was performed to analyze the A/B antigen on erythrocytes. Reverse typing was performed to confirm blood types B and AB. Domestic shorthair (n=229) and purebred (n=91) cats were prospectively recruited from 39 districts in Bangkok and 11 districts in four nearby provinces. Overall, 97.5% and 2.5% of the cats were type A and type B, respectively. No cats were type AB. All DSH cats were type A. Type B blood was found in 17.1% of Persian and 4% of Scottish Fold cats. Due to the blood type frequencies in DSH cats, the potential risk of major transfusion reactions, minor transfusion reactions, or NI was 0%. This is a large study of feline blood types in Bangkok and vicinities. Type A blood was predominant in DSH cats and associated with a minimal risk for mismatched transfusion reactions and NI. Blood types A and B were found in Persian and Scottish Fold cats. Blood typing is mandatory for blood transfusion procedures and breeding purposes in cat populations.