The pattern of distribution of ABO blood groups in North Western Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Everybody over the age of about six months has clinically significant anti-A or Anti-B in their serum, if they lack the corresponding antigens on their red cells. ABO blood group antigens are the most important in blood transfusion services. This study was to determine the current incidence of ABO blood group system in our environment. Methods: Hospital records were reviewed on blood groups of Donors, from the blood donor centers of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Kaduna unit. This was done over a period of five years from January 2000 to December 2004. Blood group determination was by serological technique. Result: Twelve thousand five hundred and eighty nine patients blood group were reviewed. The frequencies of the ABO blood group system was found to be 21.3 percent for group A, 24.3 percent for group B, 5.2 percent for group AB and 49.2 percent for blood group O.Conclusion: Blood group O is the most frequently encountered blood group in this environment while AB blood group is the least. Group specific transfusion is still advocated despite the concept of universal donor (group O) and universal recipient (group AB), which is now obsolete. Keywords: ABO, blood group, antigens, group specific transfusion Annals of Nigerian Medicine Vol. 1(2) 2005: 17-1