RHD and RHCE frequencies and gene complexes among Major Tribes of Turabah Province, Saudia Arabia
Pages : 573-578Download PDF
Background: The RH blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and immunogenic systems known in humans. In the past decade, intense investigation has yielded considerable knowledge of the molecular background of this system. The aim of the present study was to determine the types and frequency of D and/or RHCE variants among major trips in Turabah Province, Saudia Arabia, using the immunodiffusion gel technique.
Methodology: RHD blood grouping was performed on 400 samples. Blood group antigens were determined using an immune-deficient gel technique (Bio-Rad, USA), and the genotype frequencies were expressed as percentages.
Results: The distribution of the variant RHD alleles found among the 400 samples RHD positive were 346 (86.5%) and RHD negative 54 (13.5%) and the most common probable RH-genotypes present in our samples in decreasing order of frequency were for DcE1+, DcE2+, dcE1+, dcE2+, dcE3+, dcE4+, DcE3+, dice and DCE4+ and the DcE4+ (29%) were the commonest genotype 116 out of 400 samples.
Discussion: RHD and RHCE variants performed on blood samples of participants from Turabah Province, Saudi Arabia to provide transfusion-relevant information because of the frequency of variant RH alleles. RHD molecular analysis may improve transfusion therapy of patients by allowing better donor and recipient matching based not only on phenol-typically matched red blood cell units, but also on units that are genetically matched with regards to RHCE variants.
Conclusion: The most common phenotype was DcE4+. Phenotype and probable genotype showed a wide range of variations in different races and religion. Reliable population based frequency data of the RH antigens study has a vital role in population genetic study, in resolving medico legal issues and most importantly in transfusion practice. This study is the first small step to create a rare donor data bank and to prepare indigenous cell panels to provide compatible blood to all multi-transfused alloimmunized patients.
Keywords: RH system, RHCE, Immunodiffusion Gel Technique, Turabah, KSA.