Prevalence of Rhesus Antigens (C and C) among Blood Donors in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria
F. O. Apologun *
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
K. C. Lele
Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Science, Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
E. G. Oikherhe
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
R. A. Amaechi
Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion Science, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
A blood type (also known as a blood group) is a classification of blood based on the presence or absence of antibodies and inherited antigenic substances on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). Although the Rhesus D antigen is the most important Rhesus antigen in blood transfusion services, incompatibility in the Rhesus c and C groups can lead to transfusion reactions and, as such, requires attention. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Rhesus antigens (c and C) among blood donors in Ekpoma, Edo State. A sample size of 103 blood donors was used for the study. Venous blood was collected into ethylene diamine tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) containers and analysed using the tube method with Anti-C and Anti-c monoclonal antibody reagents. The ABO and Rhesus D blood groups were also determined. Blood group O+ was the most common (50%), followed by A+ (20%), B+ (17%), O- (7%), A- (3%), AB+ (1.9%) and B- (1%), with no AB- detected. Rhesus c antigen was detected in 102 (99%) of the 103 tested subjects, while C antigen was detected in 22 (25.9%) of the 85 tested subjects. Rhesus c antigen prevalence was significantly higher (p≤0.05) among those aged 20-23 years and 24-27 years, at 40 (100%) and 56 (100%), respectively, than among those aged 28-30 years, at 6 (85.7%). There was no significant association (p>0.05) between c antigen prevalence and sex, while C antigen prevalence was not significantly associated with either age or sex (p>0.05). In conclusion, blood group O+ was the most common blood group, while Rhesus c and C antigens were detected in 99% and 25.9% of tested donors, respectively. The prevalence of these antigens was not associated with sex, and only c antigen prevalence was associated with age. Hence, pre-transfusion screening should consider assessment of these antigens before blood transfusion. This research provides new evidence on the distribution of blood groups and Rhesus c and C phenotypes among blood donors in Nigeria. The findings may help improve the quality of blood transfusion services in the relevant setting.
Keywords: Blood transfusion, phlebotomy, Rhesus D antigen, lipoprotein molecules