Weak D type 42 cases found in individuals of European descent

Immunohematology. 2011;27(1):20-4.

Abstract

Patient samples were referred to our immunohematology reference laboratory to investigate the presence of a weak D antigen. In the last 3 years, 26 samples were received. Serology and molecular analyses were performed to identify the weak D variant. RHD mRNA from all patients was reverse transcribed, and cDNA was sequenced. The results were compared with a normal RHD sequence to identify the polymorphisms causing the weak D phenotype. Five different already known RHD variants were observed: weak D type 1 (5 individuals), weak D type 2 (1 individual), weak D type 42 (17 individuals), weak D type 45 (1 individual), and partial D DNB (2 individuals). Surprisingly, weak D type 42 was prevalent in our population, whereas weak D type 1, 2, and 3 are the most prevalent variants elsewhere. Anti-D was found in six cases of weak D type 42. The higher prevalence of weak D type 42 could be the result of a founder effect. Additional studies are needed to estimate the frequency of this variant in the general population.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Antibody Affinity*
  • Blood Group Incompatibility / blood*
  • Blood Group Incompatibility / epidemiology
  • Blood Grouping and Crossmatching / statistics & numerical data
  • DNA Mutational Analysis
  • Female
  • Founder Effect
  • Humans
  • Isoantibodies / blood*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Polymorphism, Genetic
  • Prevalence
  • Protein Binding
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / genetics*
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / immunology*
  • White People*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Isoantibodies
  • Rh-Hr Blood-Group System
  • Rho(D) antigen