Prevalence of Rhesus & Kell phenotypes among blood donors of Bangladesh

The Rhesus blood group system is one of the most polymorphic and highly immunogenic systems in humans. Because of its high and strong immunogenicity Rh D antigen testing is mandatory before issuing a compatible blood. There are five major antigens i.e. DCEce in the Rhesus (Rh) blood group system. On the other hand from the immunogenicity point of view Kell antigen is next to the Rh system. Both of them may cause severe hemolytic transfusion reaction and hemolytic disease of fetus and new born. Exposure of Rhesus negative individuals to Rhesus positive blood through transfusion or pregnancy is most likely to stimulate production of Rhesus antibodies. These antibodies may cause Hemolytic Disease of Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) and Delayed Hemolytic Transfusion Reaction (DHTR). Like Rhesus antibodies, Kell antibodies may also cause HDFN and DHTR. So far we know, there is not enough study regarding antigens C, c, E & e of Rh or K, k antigen of Kell blood group system regarding these antigens in the donors in Bangladesh, thereby exposing transfused patients to these antigens negative patients. To determine the phenotype prevalence of the Rh and Kell blood group systems in the blood donors in Bangladesh, a descriptive cross sectional study was done in the laboratory of Department of Transfusion Medicine, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, during the period of 1st January 2020 to 31 December 2020. Rhesus Phenotype CCDee is highest (48.4%) & CCDEe & ccDEE both are lowest (0.4%). Most probable Rhesus Genotype CDe/CDe (R1R1) is highest (48.4%) and CDe/CDE (R1Rz) & cDE/cDE (R2R2) both are lowest (0.4%). Kell Genotype kk is highest (99.2%) and Kk is lowest (0.8%). BSMMU J 2021; 14(3): 38-42