Ten homozygous-D-individuals in one Italian village

A large inbred Italian kindred with 10 members homozygous for the rare Rh gene complex-D-is described. The propositus has immune antibody to a high-incidence Rh antigen: her baby required exchange transfusion. None of the other 9-D-/-D- individuals has made antibody even though 2 were women with children. This kindred supports previous observations of the excess of consanguinity among the parents of -D-homozygotes. 40.9% (instead of the 25% expected) of the offspring of -D-heterozygous parents are -D-homozygotes.