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The r' gene is overrepresented in hrB-negative individuals

C L Beal1, C K Oliver, D M Mallory

  • 1American Red Cross National Reference Laboratory, 15601 Crabbs Branch Way, Rockville, MD 20855, USA.

Immunohematology
|January 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Screening African-American donors identified individuals lacking the hrB antigen. The most effective method involves typing donors with D-C+ red blood cells, revealing a high prevalence of the r and rs blood group antigens.

Area of Science:

  • Blood banking
  • Immunology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The hrB antigen is a low-frequency antigen in certain populations.
  • Identifying individuals lacking hrB (hrB-negative) is crucial for transfusion compatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To implement a screening program to identify hrB-negative donors.
  • To investigate the association between hrB-negative status and other blood group antigens, particularly in African-American donors.

Main Methods:

  • Screening of African-American donors for hrB antigen expression using anti-hrB and anti-hrB-like antibodies.
  • Typing of selected donors for D, C, V, and VS antigens.
  • Review of historical data for hrB-negative patients and donors, focusing on the presence of r and rs antigens.

Main Results:

  • Of 75 D-C+ donors, 5% were hrB-negative, and 19% showed weak or variable hrB expression.
  • Among hrB-negative individuals, a high prevalence of V-VS+ and V+VS+ phenotypes was observed.
  • No hrB-negative samples were found in C- donors.
  • A significant proportion of previously identified hrB-negative individuals carried r or rs antigens.
  • hrB-negative donors identified in the screening program predominantly had D-C+VS+ red blood cells, suggesting an overrepresentation of r.

Conclusions:

  • The presence of r and rs blood group antigens is frequently associated with hrB-negative red blood cells.
  • Screening African-American individuals with D-C+ red blood cells is an effective strategy for identifying hrB-negative donors.
  • This finding aids in improving transfusion safety for patients requiring hrB-negative blood products.

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