Distribution of Duffy Blood Group System Antigens Fya, Fyb in Major Tribes of Turaba Province-KSA

Abstract

Background.: Duffy blood group system is the one of the most minor blood group system has clinical significant in blood transfusion and cause hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). The Duffy antigen is located on the surface of red blood cells and is named after the patient in which it was discovered.

Study design: This study was designed to determine the distribution of two antigens of Duffy blood group system Fya & Fyb, in the major tribes of Turaba province, Saudi Arabia. The study was carried out in different parts of the Turaba and   consent was taken from the health authority.

Materials and methods: Four hundred venous blood samples were collected into EDTA containers from unrelated individuals of major tribes in turaba province. The Duffy blood group antigens were detected using gel immune-diffusion system.

Results: Results were showed that the frequency of Fya antigen in the major population of Turaba province was 44%, where the frequency of Fyb was 56%. Also result proved that the frequencies of Duffy phenotypes were Fy(a-b+), Fy(a+b), Fy(a+b+),  Fy(a-b-) were 38%, 28%,16%, 18% respectively.

Conclusion: This study proved that the Duffy blood group antigen Fyb, was the highest antigen in Turaba province population, while the Fya was the lowest, while the Duffy phenotype Fy (a-b+) was the highest, and Duffy phenotype Fy(a+b+) was the lowest.