Genetic polymorphisms in the white population of Victoria, Australia

Genetic variation in the rural population of the State of Victoria, Australia, is demonstrated through the analysis of eight genetically independent red cell antigen, red cell enzyme and plasma protein systems in a sample of more than 2000 blood donors. The polymorphisms investigated were ABO, RH, KEL, esterase D (ESD), glyoxalase 1 (GLO1), phosphoglucomutase locus 1 (PGM1), haptoglobin (HP) and the third component of complement (C3). For genetic distance analysis the sample was subdivided into nine regions using the Victorian Government's Statistical Divisions. Considerable regional genetic heterogeneity exists; with the Goulburn and the Central Highlands divisions being the most distinct, not only from the other seven divisions, but also from each other. The pattern of micro-differentiation is complex and cannot be easily explained, but there is evidence of varying levels of systematic evolutionary pressure on the Victorian divisions. The investigation of the proportion born overseas in each division, and their respective countries of origin, did not help in the interpretation of the findings. Overall, rural Victorians exhibited allele frequencies very similar to the populations of both Melbourne, the Victorian capital, and the island State of Tasmania.