Distribution of human platelet antigen genotypes in Lithuanian blood donors

Human platelet antigens (HPAs) are polymorphic structures on platelet membrane glycoproteins that may induce alloimmune responses after transfusion or pregnancy. Knowledge of HPA distribution in different populations is essential for improving transfusion practice and managing platelet transfusion refractoriness.

A total of 200 unrelated voluntary blood donors were included. Genomic DNA was extracted from EDTA-anticoagulated whole blood, and HPA genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers. Genotype and allele frequencies were calculated, and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed using the χ² test.

The most frequent genotypes were HPA-1aa, HPA-2aa, HPA-3ab, HPA-5aa, and HPA-15ab. Allele frequencies were 0.833 (HPA-1a), 0.925 (HPA-2a), 0.578 (HPA-3a), 0.923 (HPA-5a), and 0.525 (HPA-15a). The HPA-6 and HPA-9 systems were monomorphic. No significant deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium or sex-related differences were observed.

The distribution of HPA alleles in Lithuanian donors is comparable to other European populations. These findings are clinically relevant for improving donor-recipient compatibility and may support the development of HPA-typed donor registries, contributing to better management of platelet transfusion refractoriness.