सामुदायिक चिकित्सा एवं स्वास्थ्य शिक्षा

अमूर्त

Blood Group and Rhesus Factor Pattern among Indigenes of FCT, Abuja, Nigeria

Olaniyan TO, Ajibola BM, Rasong H, Dare BJ, Shafe MO and Adelaiye AB

A series of glycoprotein and glycolipids on red blood cell surface constitute blood group antigens. These are the ABO (A, B, AB and O) and Rh blood groups which are the most important blood groups despite the long list of several other blood groups discovered so far. The ABO and Rh blood groups vary worldwide and are not found in equal numbers even among ethnic groups. Therefore, this study was aimed at having information on the distribution of ABO and Rh blood groups among indigenes of FCT, Abuja, Nigeria. A total of 305 individuals were randomly selected among the indigenes of FCT, Abuja, Nigeria (Gwari, Bassa, and Koto). The blood samples were taken by cubital venipuncture and analysed using the agglutination method. 170 (55.7%) were males and 135 (44.3%) were females. In the ABO system, their blood groups were A 66 (21.6%), B 80 (26.2%), AB 15 (4.9%) and O 104 (47.2%). Rh-positive were 292 (95.7%) and Rh-negative were 13 (4.3%). Blood group O and Rh-positive had the highest frequency and blood group AB and Rh-negative had the least frequency. The results obtained were compared with previously published data. Some variations in frequencies were observed. However, apart from blood transfusion practise, it is imperative to have information on the distribution of these blood groups in any population group that comprise tribes and ethnic groups.