Authors : Evana Kamarudin, Mohd Khairul Amran Mohammad, Tressa Gadung Saptu and Rozi Hanisa Musa
Abstract: The Rh blood group system is the most complex, polymorphic and immunogenic protein-based blood group system in humans. Some individuals produce a weak expression of D antigen on RBCs surface as a result of missense RHD mutations and amino acid substitutions that lead to distinct serologic phenotypes and anti-D immunization. This study aimed to elucidate the molecular genetic basis of weak D phenotypes in Malaysian blood donors with multiracial population. A total of 183 Rh-negative blood samples were phenotyped for D, C, c, E and e antigens. Weak D samples that identified by Indirect Antiglobulin Test (IAT) were amplified by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primers for weak D type determination. A total of 183 multiracial Rh-negative donors were reviewed, consisting of 88 (48.1%) Indians, 56 (30.6%) Malays, 23 (12.6%) Chinese and 16 (8.7%) other minority ethnics. Four samples were found to be positive for weak D phenotype using IAT. Of these four samples, two samples were reported with weak D type 15. Both samples were from Chinese blood donor with DweakCcee and DweakccEe phenotype, respectively. This study provide the first database of a molecular basis of weak D in Malaysian blood donors which improved the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying D antigen expression in Malaysian population. Thus, increase the transfusion safety in highly racial mixed population.
Evana Kamarudin, Mohd Khairul Amran Mohammad, Tressa Gadung Saptu and Rozi Hanisa Musa, 2019. Elucidation of Weak D Phenotype among Malaysian Blood Donors using Molecular Basis. Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences, 14: 9214-9218.