ABO, RH phenotypes and kell blood groups frequencies in an Egyptian population

Abstract

Objective: Blood safety is a core objective in transfusion medicine, this can be enhanced by avoiding alloimmunization with clinically important antibodies. The frequencies of ABO, Rh antigens (D,C,E,c,e), and KEL1 antigen in Egypt were not addressed before. This study was performed to provide information about the frequencies of ABO and Kell blood groups and Rh antigens, phenotypes, and the expected genotypes among an Egyptian population and comparing them with other races. Subjects and methods: Samples from 216 blood donors and recipients were serologically tested for ABO, Rh (D, C, E, c, and e) and KEL1 antigens using gel column agglutination card method. Rh Phenotypes’ frequencies were expressed as percentages, and expected genotypes were calculated. Results:The percentage frequencies of A, O, B and AB groups were 39.4%, 25.9%, 24.1%, and 10.6% respectively. The Rh D negative incidence was 14.4%. The most frequently occurring antigen was found to be e (100%), followed by c (91.2%), then D (85.6%), C (70.4%), and finally E (41.7%). DCCee was the most prevalent phenotype (32.9%). ddccee was the most common phenotype amongst RhD negative individuals. The frequency of KEL1 antigen was 23.6%. The distribution of the blood group antigens among different races showed great variability except for e Antigen which is almost similar in all populations. Conclusion: This study provides the first step to create a donor data bank and to prepare red cell panels to provide compatible blood to multi-transfused patients.