High frequency of variant RHD RHD RHD genotypes among donors and patients of mixed origin with serologic weak‐D phenotype

摘要

Background The current transfusion policy recommended for individuals with serologic weak‐D phenotype is based on data derived from European‐descent populations. Data referring to the distribution of RH alleles underlying weak‐D phenotype among people of mixed origin are yet incomplete, and the applicability of European‐based transfusion guidelines to this specific population is questionable. Goal To evaluate the distribution of RHD variant genotype among individuals with serologic weak‐D phenotype of both African and European descent. Methods Donors and patients of mixed origin and with serologic weak‐D phenotype were selected for the study. They were investigated using conventional RHD ‐ PCR assays and RHD whole‐coding region direct sequencing. Results One hundred and six donors and 58 patients were included. There were 47 donors and 29 patients with partial‐D genotype (47/106, 44.3%, and 29/58, 50%, respectively). RHD * DAR and RHD *weak D type 38 represented the most common altered RHD alleles among donors (joint frequency of 39.6%), while weak D types 1‐3 accounted for 10.4% of the total D variant samples. RHD * DAR was the most common allele identified in the patient group (frequency of 31%), and weak D types 1‐3 represented 29.3% of the total. Conclusion The frequency of partial D among mixed individuals with serologic weak‐D phenotype is high. They should be managed as D‐negative patients until molecular tests are complete.