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Lewis antigens on newborn red cells
S Kijkornpan1, C Suebsaeng, P Chiewsilp
1Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Summary
Lewis antigens are typically weak or absent in newborns. This study found no detectable Lewis antigens on the red blood cells of 197 Thai newborns, suggesting their absence in this population.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hematology
- Genetics
Background:
- Lewis antigens are important in blood group serology.
- These antigens are often weak or undetectable in newborns.
- Previous observations suggested potential Lewis antigen expression in Thai newborns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To screen for the presence of Lewis a (Le(a)) and Lewis b (Le(b)) antigens in Thai newborn red blood cells.
- To investigate the discrepancy between known neonatal Lewis antigen expression and a specific case finding.
- To provide data on Lewis antigen prevalence in a Thai neonatal population.
Main Methods:
- Testing of 197 Thai newborn cord blood samples.
- Use of monoclonal anti-Le(a) and anti-Le(b) antibodies for antigen detection.
- Standard agglutination techniques following manufacturer's instructions.
Main Results:
- No Lewis a or Lewis b antigens were detected on the red blood cells of the 197 newborns studied.
- The results indicate that Lewis antigens are either absent or below the detection limit in this Thai newborn cohort.
- This contradicts an initial observation of a Le(a+) newborn.
Conclusions:
- Lewis antigens appear to be absent or extremely weak on Thai newborn red blood cells.
- Further research with larger sample sizes and more sensitive methods is warranted.
- Neonatal screening for Lewis antigens requires careful consideration of detection methodologies.