Blood Group System Research Articles

NONDOMESTIC FELID ABC BLOOD PHENOTYPING, GENOTYPING, AND CROSSMATCHING.

Based upon previous clinical experience with domestic cats (Felis catus), the ability to assess ABC blood types and blood (in-)compatibilities of nondomestic felids, and adequately consider and plan for blood transfusions, may be important. Although nondomestic felids appear to have an ABC blood group system similar to domestic cats, typing with point-of-care kits and by CMAH genotyping for domestic cats have not been reported. In this study, 162 blood samples from 18 different nondomestic felid species (cheetah [Acinonyx jubatus, n = 42], lion [Panthera leo, n = 33], tiger [Panthera tigris, n = 23], Canada lynx [Lynx canadensis, n = 11], snow leopard [Uncia uncia, n = 10], puma [Puma concolor, n = 7], clouded leopard [Neofelis nebulosa, n = 6], serval [Leptailurus serval, n = 5], jaguar [Panthera onca, n = 5], fishing cat [Prionailurus viverrinus, n = 4], Pallas cat [Felis manul, n = 3], bobcat [Lynx rufus, n = 3], ocelot [Leopardus pardalis, n = 3], black footed cat [Felis nigripes, n = 2], leopard [Panthera pardus, n = 2], African wildcat [Felis lybica, n = 1], caracal [Caracal caracal, n = 1], and sand cat [Felis margarita, n = 1]) were ABC blood typed by laboratory and point-of-care tests, genotyped for four known CMAH variants for type B and type C (AB) phenotypes, and crossmatched with one another and domestic type A cats. Traditional tube typing identified blood type A (n = 106), type B (n = 8), type C (n = 43), and no discernible ABC type (n = 4). Several discrepancies were found between point-of-care and traditional typing test results. None of the tested felids possessed the four CMAH variants responsible for type B and C (AB) in domestic cats. Crossmatch incompatibilities (≥2+ agglutination) were identified within and between nondomestic felid species and beyond ABC incompatibilities. Of 26 crossmatches performed between domestic cats and various nondomestic felids, only 7 (27%) were compatible. In conclusion, point-of-care typing kits and CMAH genotyping, successfully used in domestic cats, may not identify the correct ABC blood type in nondomestic felids. Prior crossmatching is recommended to increase the likelihood of compatible transfusions between any nondomestic felids.

Targeted next-generation sequencing and long-read HiFi sequencing provide novel insights into clinically significant KLF1 variants

BackgroundKrüppel-like factor 1 (KLF1), a crucial erythroid transcription factor, plays a significant role in various erythroid changes and haemolytic diseases. The rare erythrocyte Lutheran inhibitor (In(Lu)) blood group phenotype serves as an effective model for identifying KLF1 hypomorphic and loss-of-function variants. In this study, we aimed to analyse the genetic background of the In(Lu) phenotype in a population-based sample group by high-throughput technologies to find potentially clinically significant KLF1 variants.ResultsWe included 62 samples with In(Lu) phenotype, screened from over 300,000 Chinese blood donors. Among them, 36 samples were sequenced using targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), whereas 19 samples were sequenced using High Fidelity (HiFi) technology. In addition, seven samples were simply sequenced using Sanger sequencing. A total of 29 hypomorphic or loss-of-function variants of KLF1 were identified, 21 of which were newly discovered. All new variants discovered by targeted NGS or HiFi sequencing were validated through Sanger sequencing, and the obtained results were found to be consistent. The KLF1 haplotypes of all new variants were further confirmed using clone sequencing or HiFi sequencing. The lack of functional KLF1 variants detected in the four samples indicates the presence of additional regulatory mechanisms. In addition, some samples exhibited BCAM polymorphisms, which encodes antigens of the Lutheran (LU) blood group system. However, no BCAM mutations which leads to the absence of LU proteins were detected.ConclusionsHigh-throughput sequencing methods, particularly HiFi sequencing, were introduced for the first time into genetic analysis of the In(Lu) phenotype. Targeted NGS and HiFi sequencing demonstrated the accuracy of the results, providing additional advantages such as simultaneous analysis of other blood group genes and clarification of haplotypes. Using the In(Lu) phenotype, a powerful model for identifying hypomorphic or loss-of-function KLF1 variants, numerous novel variants have been detected, which have contributed to the comprehensive understanding of KLF1. These clinically significant KLF1 mutations can serve as a valuable reference for the diagnosis of related blood cell diseases.

An overview of serology and molecular biology of the Rh blood group system

An overview of serology and molecular biology of the Rh blood group system

ABO Blood Groups, RhD Factor and Their Association with Subclinical Atherosclerosis Assessed by Carotid Ultrasonography.

Background: The ABO blood group system has previously been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), where non-O blood group individuals have shown an increased risk. Studies assessing early atherosclerotic disease while also including RhD are few. We aimed to determine whether the ABO and RhD blood groups are associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in a healthy population. Methods: We included 3532 participants from the VIPVIZA trial with available carotid ultrasonography results to assess subclinical disease. Information about blood groups was obtained from the SCANDAT-3 database, where 85% of VIPVIZA participants were registered. Results: RhD- individuals aged 40 years showed increased carotid intima-media thickness (B 1.09 CI 95% 1.03; 1.14) compared to RhD+ individuals. For ABO, there were no differences in ultrasonography results when assessing the whole study population. However, 60-year-old individuals with heredity for CVD and a non-O blood group had decreased odds for carotid plaques (OR 0.54 CI 95% 0.33; 0.88). Conclusions: RhD blood group is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in younger individuals, indicating a role as a mediator in the atherosclerotic process. In addition, a non-O blood group was associated with decreased subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals aged 60 and with heredity (corresponding to the group with the highest atherosclerotic burden).

Haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies reported to the Norwegian Haemovigilance System 2004-2020.

The aim of this study was to analyse the reports received in the Norwegian Haemovigilance System from 2004 to 2020 on acute and delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies. Antibody specificity, clinical symptoms and outcomes were included when available. After transfusion of 3.7 million red cell concentrates, reports on 78 cases of haemolytic transfusion reactions caused by non-ABO red cell antibodies were received, corresponding to an incidence of 1 in 47,000 transfused red cell concentrates. There were 30 acute and 48 delayed haemolytic transfusion reactions. A total of 113 red cell antibodies were found: 82 alloantibodies, 6 autoantibodies and 25 cases where the antibody specificity could not be determined. Two fatalities occurred: one caused by anti-Wra and one caused by an unidentified red cell antibody. The most frequently reported antibody specificities were those in the Rh and Kidd blood group systems, representing 24% and 14%, respectively, of all the antibodies identified. In six cases, errors occurred, leading to the issuing of blood units without the required phenotype match. Despite the possible underreporting, the low number of serious haemolytic transfusion reactions reflects an adequate pre-transfusion practice by the Norwegian blood banks.

Characterization of Novel RHD Allele Variants and Their Implications for Routine Blood Group Diagnostics.

The Rh system, including the highly immunogenic D antigen, is one of the clinically most important blood group systems in transfusion medicine. Numerous alleles of the RHD gene are associated with variant RhD phenotypes. In case of Rh incompatibility, some of them can induce hemolytic transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. Thus, accurate blood group diagnostics are critical for safe transfusion therapy. We characterized phenotypes of four individuals revealing weakened D expression during routine pre-transfusion testing. Standard gel card matrix techniques with monoclonal and polyclonal anti-D antibodies were used for serological typing, complemented using D epitope and antigen density analysis. Genotyping employing PCR with sequence-specific primers, genomic and allele-specific Sanger sequencing and in silico protein analysis were performed. Four novel RHD alleles associated with weak D or partial D phenotypes were identified. One of the mutations is predicted to disrupt the terminal stop codon and result in an elongated translation of the mutant D protein that phenotypically exhibits a loss of D epitopes. Furthermore, a hybrid gene formed with the homologue RHCE gene is described. The presented data enhances the understanding of the Rh system and may contribute to continued advances in blood group diagnostics.

Evidence that CD36 is expressed on red blood cells and constitutes a novel blood group system of clinical importance.

Polymorphic molecules expressed on the surface of certain blood cells are traditionally categorized as blood groups and human platelet or neutrophil antigens. CD36 is widely considered a platelet antigen (Naka) and anti-CD36 can cause foetal/neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FNAIT) in CD36-negative pregnant women. CD36 is used as a marker of differentiation in early erythroid culture. During the experimental culture of CD34+ cells from random blood donors, we observed that one individual lacked CD36. We sought to investigate this observation further and determine if CD36 fulfils the International Society of Blood Transfusion criteria for becoming a blood group. Surface markers were monitored by flow cytometry on developing cells during the erythroid culture of CD34+ cells. Genetic and flow cytometric analyses on peripheral blood cells were performed. Proteomic datasets were analysed, and clinical case reports involving anti-CD36 and foetal anaemia were scrutinized. Sequencing of CD36-cDNA identified homozygosity for c.1133G>T/p.Gly378Val in the CD36-negative donor. The minor allele frequency of rs146027667:T is 0.1% globally and results in abolished CD36 expression. CD36 has been considered absent from mature red blood cells (RBCs); however, we detected CD36 expression on RBCs and reticulocytes from 20 blood donors. By mining reticulocyte and RBC datasets, we found evidence for CD36-derived peptides enriched in the membrane fractions. Finally, our literature review revealed severe cases of foetal anaemia attributed to anti-CD36. Based on these findings, we conclude that CD36 fulfils the criteria for becoming a new blood group system and that anti-CD36 is implicated not only in FNAIT but also foetal anaemia.

Comparative analysis of alloimmunization in healthy voluntary blood donors versus general patients: A 6-year experience from regional transfusion center in Northwestern part of India

Abstract BACKGROUND: Alloimmunization is a significant complication of blood transfusion and can lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions. The prevalence of alloimmunization in healthy voluntary blood donors and patients in the northwestern part of India is not well documented. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the prevalence, specificity, and clinical significance of antibodies in blood donors and general patients in a regional transfusion centre in the North Western part of India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of alloimmunization in voluntary blood donors and patients over a six-year period in a regional transfusion center. A total of 145,299 donor samples and 58,009 patient samples were screened for unexpected antibodies using standard techniques. RESULTS: Of the 145,299 donor samples screened, only 16 (0.011%) were positive for unexpected antibodies, with anti-M being the most common (62.5%). In contrast, among the 58,009 patients screened, 275 (0.47%) were found to be positive for alloantibodies, with blood group B showing the highest prevalence. The most common alloantibodies found in patients were anti-D, anti-E, anti-c, and anti-K in the Rh and Kell blood group systems. CONCLUSION: The incidence of alloimmunization in voluntary blood donors is low and comparable to other regions, which can be attributed to strict donor selection criteria and pre-donation screening practices. However, the incidence of alloimmunization in patients is higher, highlighting the need for routine screening for unexpected antibodies in patients to prevent hemolytic transfusion reactions. Further studies are needed to explore the underlying factors contributing to the higher incidence of alloimmunization in patients.

Serological Characteristics and Clinical Significance of Irregular Antibodies in Pregnant Women

To understand the serological characteristics of irregular antibodies in pregnant women and explore their clinical significance. From January 2017 to March 2022, 151 471 pregnant women in Women and Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University were enrolled in this study, microcolumn gel card test was used for irregular antibody screening, and antibody specificity identification was further performed in some antibody-positive subjects. The positive rate of irregular antibody screening in the enrolled pregnant women was 0.91% (1 375/151 471), 0.23% (355/151 471) was detected in the first trimester, 0.05% (71/151 471) in the second trimester, and 0.63% (949/151 471) in the third trimester. The positive rate of irregular antibody screening in the third trimester was significantly higher than that in the first and second trimester, and a significant increase in the number of positive cases was found in the third trimester than that in the second trimester. The analysis of agglutination intensity of 1 375 irregular antibody screening positive results showed that the weakly positive agglutination intensity accounted for 50.11% (689/ 1 375), which was the highest, the suspicious positive was 18.69% (257/1 375), and the positive was 31.20% (429/1 375). The significant difference in distribution of agglutination intensity was not observed between the first trimester group and the second trimester group, however, in the third trimester, the proportion of suspicious positive and weakly positive was lower than the first trimester, while, the proportion of positive was higher than the first trimester, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Among the irregular antibody screening positive pregnant women, the proportion of pregnant women with pregnancy number ≥ 2 was significantly higher than that with pregnancy ≤ 1. Among 60 pregnant women who underwent antibody identification, the distributions of the antibodies were as follows: Rh blood group system accounted for 23.33% (14/60), Lewis system 43.33% (26/60), Kidd system 3.33% (2/60), MNS system 16.67% (10/60), P1PK system 1.67% (1/60), autoantibodies 1.67% (1/60), and 4 cases was unable to identify (6.67%, 4/60). Among specific antibodies, the anti-Lea was the most common (30.00%), followed by anti-E (16.67%) and anti-M (16.67%). The differences of irregular antibody serological characteristics exist in pregnant women from different regions with different genetic backgrounds, understanding the characteristics of irregular antibody in local pregnant women is of great significance for ensuring transfusion safety in pregnant women and preventing hemolytic disease of newborn.

Blood Transfusion cross match on the basis of Phenotype &amp; Rh Antigen in Donors and Receivers and Analysis of Variations

Background: In brief, knowing the local Rh blood group system frequency helps develop a donor pool for patients who need numerous transfusions and alloantibody-compatible antigen negative blood. Patients have been matched for component blood transfusions using ABO and Rh phenotypes since 2020. Our detection of all blood transfusion-needy patients began. Aim: Our department began To detect C, E, c, and e Rh-specific antigens in multi-transfused patients in 2020. Methods: For the aim of this investigation, 2300 patient samples were obtained from patients who required clinical blood transfusions at our hospital between March 2020 and October 2022. These samples were gathered for the purpose of this investigation. One patient was counted as a single sample even though they required repeated blood transfusions. 1900blood donor samples were provided by the Blood Centre of (duplicated samples were removed based on the identification numbers that were provided by the Blood Centre once they were identified). Results: The study obtained 4200 samples, including 1900donor and 2300patient samples. The allele frequency distribution of blood group antigens in the studied population was compared with the prevalence observed in the present study. The D antigen exhibited a frequency of 99.34% in the studied population, slightly lower than the prevalence observed in the present study at 98.9% (95% CI: 98.5 - 99.0). Conversely, the C antigen was found in 93.1% of the studied population, with a slightly higher prevalence observed in the present study at 99.1% (95% CI: 92.0 - 99.2). Implication: The study suggests serological testing is a cost-effective method for blood transfusion management, identifying Rh phenotypes. Compiling a database of donor Rh genotypes simplifies transfusion selection, reducing unfavorable responses. Pre-transfusion Rh phenotype examination is crucial for matching patient blood type with donor blood, reducing adverse reactions, and improving patient safety. Conclusion: In transfusion applications, serological testing are cost-effective for Rh phenotype identification but not genotypes. Creating a database of blood donors' Rh phenotypes and evaluating each patient before their initial transfusion should lessen adverse reactions and speed up antigen-negative blood availability, saving more patients. Keywords: Blood transfusion, phenotype, Rh antigen, donors, receivers, analysis of variations

Distribution of ABO and RH Blood Groups among Blood Donors in Jiblah University Hospital in IBB Province, Yemen

Background: The ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood group system are the most important blood group systems in Transfusion Medicine, genetic studies and in legal medicine study. The distribution of the ABO and Rhesus blood groups is vital for the effective operation and planning of blood banks and secure blood transfusion services. Objective: To determine the distribution of ABO Rh blood groups among blood donors in Jiblah University Hospital in Ibb province, Yemen. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Blood bank of Jiblah university hospital in Ibb city, Yemen from January 2021 to August 2023. Blood groups typing of 4853 blood donors was carried out using Slide Agglutination (antigenantibody) method with antisera anti-A, anti-B, and anti-D. Age and sex of participants were considered. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: The most common blood group was O (55.54%) and AB was the least common (1.71%). The prevalence of Rhpositive and Rh-negative was 80% and 20% respectively. There were statistically significant association between ABO blood groups and Rh blood group (P = 0.000). Conclusion: The overall phenotypic frequencies of ABO blood groups were O&gt;A&gt;B&gt;AB and O+&gt;A+&gt;O-&gt;B+&gt;A- &gt;AB+&gt;B-&gt;AB- was found to be the order of blood group frequency in the current study. There was a statistical association between ABO blood group system and Rh system

Distribution of ABO-Rh Blood Group System Among the Students at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Pakistan

Background: The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups significantly varies across different populations and is crucial for effective blood bank management and transfusion services. Previous studies have shown diverse patterns in blood group distribution globally, influenced by regional, ethnic, and demographic factors. Objective: This study aimed to analyze the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among the student population at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Sindh, Pakistan, and to understand its implications for local healthcare services. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 253 students (133 males and 120 females) aged 18 to 24 years. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. The study employed a sterile lancet for blood sample collection via a finger prick. Blood group phenotyping was done using the slide method with monoclonal antiserum A, B, and D. Agglutination results were recorded to determine the ABO blood group and Rh factor. Data analysis was conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results: The study found that 21.7% of students belonged to blood group A (49.1% Rh positive and 5.5% Rh negative in males, 40% Rh positive and 5.5% Rh negative in females), 35.2% to blood group B (38.2% Rh positive and 6.7% Rh negative in males, 52.8% Rh positive and 2.3% Rh negative in females), 11.1% to blood group AB (57.1% Rh positive in males, 39.3% Rh positive in females), and 32.0% to blood group O (54.3% Rh positive and 2.5% Rh negative in males, 38.3% Rh positive and 4.9% Rh negative in females). Conclusion: The distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups in the student population at SALU exhibits a distinct pattern, emphasizing the importance of regional studies in blood group distribution. These findings have significant implications for blood bank management, transfusion services, and healthcare planning in the region.

Resolving Genotype-Phenotype Discrepancies of the Kidd Blood Group System Using Long-Read Nanopore Sequencing.

Due to substantial improvements in read accuracy, third-generation long-read sequencing holds great potential in blood group diagnostics, particularly in cases where traditional genotyping or sequencing techniques, primarily targeting exons, fail to explain serological phenotypes. In this study, we employed Oxford Nanopore sequencing to resolve all genotype-phenotype discrepancies in the Kidd blood group system (JK, encoded by SLC14A1) observed over seven years of routine high-throughput donor genotyping using a mass spectrometry-based platform at the Blood Transfusion Service, Zurich. Discrepant results from standard serological typing and donor genotyping were confirmed using commercial PCR-SSP kits. To resolve discrepancies, we amplified the entire coding region of SLC14A1 (~24 kb, exons 3 to 10) in two overlapping long-range PCRs in all samples. Amplicons were barcoded and sequenced on a MinION flow cell. Sanger sequencing and bridge-PCRs were used to confirm findings. Among 11,972 donors with both serological and genotype data available for the Kidd system, we identified 10 cases with unexplained conflicting results. Five were linked to known weak and null alleles caused by variants not included in the routine donor genotyping. In two cases, we identified novel null alleles on the JK*01 (Gly40Asp; c.119G>A) and JK*02 (Gly242Glu; c.725G>A) haplotypes, respectively. Remarkably, the remaining three cases were associated with a yet unknown deletion of ~5 kb spanning exons 9-10 of the JK*01 allele, which other molecular methods had failed to detect. Overall, nanopore sequencing demonstrated reliable and accurate performance for detecting both single-nucleotide and structural variants. It possesses the potential to become a robust tool in the molecular diagnostic portfolio, particularly for addressing challenging structural variants such as hybrid genes, deletions and duplications.

Evaluation, Exploration and Management Strategies of a First Reported Rarest Case of Para-Bombay Blood Phenotype with E-Beta Thalassaemia from Bangladesh

Human H/h genetic polymorphism in ABO blood group system is rare and evidenced with Bombay and Para-Bombay blood group. This patient a 27-year-old-young man having ‘E-Beta thalassaemia’ incidentally has been identified as a case of ‘Para-Bombay phenotype’ after exploring with proper blood grouping, antibody detection and saliva inhibition study. Previously he was diagnosed as ‘O’ RhD positive and had two events of transfusion reaction during ‘O’ positive blood transfusion. In literature search and browsing there is dearth information on Para-Bombay Phenotype with E-Beta Thalassaemia. So far to our knowledge, this is the first reported case from Bangladesh of patient having ‘E-Beta Thalassaemia’ evidenced with rare ‘Para-Bombay blood Phenotype’. This study explores the laboratory work-out on Para-Bombay Phenotype and evaluates treatment strategies on this phenotype with concomitant E-Beta Thalassaemia. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2024; 42: 97-104

Применение иммуногенетического метода и статистического анализа в характеристике популяций овец романовской породы

The article is devoted to the development and application of a combined method for determining genotypes and alleles in complex blood group systems in sheep (A, B, C, M). To establish genotypes and alleles in complex systems, we used the combined method we developed with the implementation of the formula of Bernstain F. (1924) in the Microsoft Office Excel (2003) computer program. In total, the experiment used materials obtained from 586 Romanov breed sheep from 5 regions of the Russian Federation (Republic of Bashkortostan, Voronezh region, Smolensk region, Tambov region, Yaroslavl region). In diallelic loci (R, D, I), the determination of genetic structures was carried out using a formula obtained on the basis of the Hardy–Weinberg law. It has been established that 7 blood group systems in Romanov breed sheep (A, B, C, M, D) are open. The exception were two diallelic loci (R, I), in which the study of the allele type was carried out based on the phenomenon of epistasis, when the recessive Ii/i genotype of the I system suppresses the manifestation of antigens, genotypes and alleles of the R system. Based on the data obtained, the level of heterozygosity was determined, which is a measure of assessing biodiversity in the studied populations of Romanov breed sheep. A cluster analysis of 12 blood group systems in 7 populations of the Romanov breed of sheep showed the relationships between them. The resulting dendrogram is a reflection of the results of the research. The possibilities of using the statistical method in order to identify specific characteristics in VII blood group systems in Romanov breed sheep are revealed.

Rh and Kell phenotyping in voluntary blood donors: A study from a tertiary care blood center of western India.

In human beings, there are 45 blood group systems and 360 antigens currently recognized by ISBT (July 2023). The Rh blood group system has 56 antigens, out of them 5 antigens D, C, c, E, and e are clinically significant antigens. The Kell blood group system has 25 highly immunogenic antigens. Cases have been reported where IgG-type of antibodies against Rh and Kell antigens are found which are responsible for transfusion reactions and hemolytic disease of newborn. To study the prevalence of Rh-Kell phenotype in voluntary blood donors, To provide Rh and Kell antigen-matched blood products to patients to prevent alloimmunization, To make a donor directory of Rh and Kell phenotyped donors for further use. The antigen typing for Rh antigens (D, C, c, E, and e) and Kell (K) was performed on the collected ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples from 1014 voluntary donors. The test was performed by Erythrocyte Magnetic Technique using a microplate (DuoLys) in a fully automated immunohematology system (Diagast Qwalys Evo 3 instrument). From 1014 phenotyped donors, the most common antigen frequency was of "e" (98.6%) followed by "D"(96.2%),"C"(89.4%), "c"(54.8%), and "E"(18.6%). The frequency of the "K" antigen was (1.38%). The most common Rh phenotype from the study population was R1R1(CDe/CDe) (45%) and the rarest was r'r' (Ce/Ce) (0.1%). Knowledge of the phenotype frequency in the local population is helpful in making a donor directory, In situations where clinically significant alloantibodies are found in patient's serum, antigen-negative blood unit can be arranged using a donor directory.

Phenotypic Frequency of Clinically Significant Blood Group Antigens (Rh, Kell, Kidd, and Duffy) in Blood Donors of the Blood Center at a Tertiary Care Referral Teaching Hospital in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, South India

ABSTRACT Background and Objectives: The knowledge of various blood group antigen and phenotype frequencies in a population is important in selecting compatible blood in alloimmunized patients. Such information in Indian population is very limited. Hence this study was carried out to determine the frequency of clinically significant antigens. Such information in Indian population is very limited. Methods: This study was carried out to determine the frequencies of the D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, and Jkb antigens in 1024 blood donors at our department. Samples were collected for extended antigen typing during March 2016–February 2017 for D, C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, and Jkb antigens using monoclonal antisera by column agglutination technology. Antigenic and phenotypic frequencies were expressed as percentages. Results: Among the Rh system, “e” antigen was found in 98.6% of donors, followed by D (92%), C (89%), c (56%), and E (17%) with DCe/DCe (R1 R1, 41.4%) as the most common phenotype. “k” was found to be positive in 97% of donors, and K+k− phenotype was found in 0.1% of donors. For Kidd and Duffy blood group system, Jk(a+b+) and Fy(a+b+) were the most common phenotypes with frequency of 56.2% and 47.5%, respectively. MNS antigens were not included on account of financial constraints. Conclusion: Database for antigen frequency of various blood group systems in native donors helps provide antigen-negative compatible blood units to patients with multiple antibodies in order to formulate in-house red cells for antibody detection and identification and for preparing donor registry for rare blood groups.

Comparison of the Detection Rate and Specificity of Irregular Red Blood Cell Antibodies Between First-Time Pregnant Women and Women With a History of Multiple Pregnancies Among 18,010 Chinese Women.

Background: There is insufficient evidence to assess the risk of the production of clinically important alloimmune irregular red blood cell (RBC) antibodies in first-time pregnant women. Methods: Using the microcolumn gel antiglobulin method, 18,010 Chinese women with a history of pregnancy and pregnant women were screened for irregular RBC antibodies, and for those with positive test results, antibody specificity was determined. The detection rate and specificity of irregular RBC antibodies in women with a history of multiple pregnancies (two or more) and first-time pregnant women were determined. Results: In addition to 25 patients who passively acquired anti-D antibodies via an intravenous anti-D immunoglobulin injection, irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 121 (0.67%) of the 18,010 women. Irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 93 (0.71%) of the 13,027 women with a history of multiple pregnancies, and antibody specificity was distributed mainly in the Rh, MNSs, Lewis, and Kidd blood group systems; irregular RBC antibodies were detected in 28 (0.56%) of the 4983 first-time pregnant women, and the antibody specificity was distributed mainly in the MNSs, Rh, and Lewis blood group systems. The difference in the percentage of patients with irregular RBC antibodies between the two groups was insignificant (χ 2 = 1.248, P > 0.05). Of the 121 women with irregular RBC antibodies, nine had anti-Mur antibodies, and one had anti-Dia antibodies; these antibodies are clinically important but easily missed because the antigenic profile of the reagent RBCs that are commonly used in antibody screens does not include the antigens that are recognized by these antibodies. Conclusion: Irregular RBC antibody detection is clinically important for both pregnant women with a history of multiple pregnancies and first-time pregnant women. Mur and Dia should be included in the antigenic profile of reagent RBCs that are used for performing antibody screens in the Chinese population.

Association of ABO/Rh Blood Group with Hypertension in Pre and Postmenopausal Libyan women

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Hypertension is a prevalent and significant public health issue worldwide, affecting a substantial portion of the population. While various risk factors have been implicated in the development of hypertension, including genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal changes, the role of ABO/Rh blood groups in hypertension remains underexplored, particularly in different stages of Libyan women’s life. This research study aimed to investigate the potential association between ABO/Rh blood groups and hypertension in both pre- and post-menopausal Libyan women. METHODOLOGY: A cross sectional study was conducted over a four-month period on a diverse cohort of women aged 35 to 75 years. It involved a total of 200 hypertensive women divided into pre- (n=100) and post-menopausal (n=100) groups. It took place at Tripoli University Hospital, Tajoura Heart Centre and Total Care Clinic. Data were collected through structured interviews, clinical examinations, and blood sample analyses. Blood pressure (BP) measurements and blood group typing were performed using standard medical procedures. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS program version 26.0. RESULTS: The distribution of ABO blood groups shows that blood group O is the most prevalent blood group among samples (58% in the pre-menopausal and 41% in post-menopausal hypertensives), whereas blood group AB is the least prevalent (only 9% in the pre-menopausal and 7% in post-menopausal hypertensives). One hundred and eighty-one (90.5%) were Rh +ve. Analysis of data revealed significant differences in age distribution as well as in the percentages of Rh +ve and Rh -ve blood groups among pre- and post-menopausal women (p&lt;0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean values of BP indices between ABO/Rh blood groups (p&gt;0.05).CONCLUSION: This study showed that ABO/Rh blood group system does not significantly affect BP indices among the pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Findings of present study also illustrated that age could potentially influence the connection between blood groups and hypertension. Additionally, among ABO/Rh blood groups, the most observed type was 'O.' However, further investigation is necessary to validate these initial results and better understand the underlying mechanisms behind this relationship

A study to find out association between pulmonary function changes in various blood group systems

Background: This study investigates the correlation between different blood groups and pulmonary function, hypothesizing that certain blood groups may exhibit unique pulmonary function profiles, potentially influencing susceptibility to respiratory conditions, thereby providing valuable insights for personalized medicine and improving patient care in respiratory health. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this research is to explore the correlation between different blood groups and pulmonary function, with the objective of identifying unique pulmonary function profiles across blood groups, thereby potentially influencing susceptibility to respiratory conditions, and providing valuable insights for personalized medicine to improve patient care in respiratory health. Materials and Methods: This study, approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee, involved 102 healthy male and female individuals aged 18–20 years, with no known lung diseases. Participants were informed about the study’s aims, objectives, risks, and benefits, and their voluntary consents were obtained. Blood groups were determined, and basic information was collected. Pulmonary function was assessed using a computerized spirometer developed by RMS company, performing tests including forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1)/FVC, forced expiratory flow rate (FEFR), FEF 25–75, and maximum voluntary ventilation (MVV). Faulty procedures were repeated for accuracy, and data were analyzed using single-factor analysis of variance with MedCalc v22.023, considering P &gt; 0.05 as not significant, P &lt; 0.05 as significant, and P &lt; 0.001 as highly significant. Results: The results of our study indicate significant associations between certain blood groups and various pulmonary function test parameters. The highest obtained FVC was found in the B- blood group, with a significant association (P = 0.041). However, no significant association was found between the percent FVC and blood group (P = 0.924). The FEV1/FVC ratio showed a significant association with the blood group for both obtained and percent values (P = 0.001 and P = 0.002, respectively). The obtained FEF 25–75 showed a strong association with the blood group (P = 0.013), but no association was found for percent FEF 25–75 (P = 0.328). The obtained FEFR showed a strong association with the blood group (P = 0.031), as did the percent FEFR (P = 0.043). Finally, no association was found between MVV and blood groups (P = 0.656). These findings contribute to our understanding of the complex relationship between blood groups and pulmonary function. Conclusion: Our study suggests that individuals with the B-positive blood group tend to have higher pulmonary function values, particularly FEV1/FVC and FEFR. However, further research is needed due to the lower sample size and fewer cases in Rh-negative blood groups.