Weak D antigen - Revisited.
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Date
2011-09
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Abstract
D antigen is the most immunogenic antigen in the
complex Rh blood group system discovered in the year
1939. There is a lot of polymorphism in its phenotype due
to genetic heterogeneity. Certain mutations and /or deletions
lead to a weak phenotype defined by decreased density of
antigen sites which require the use of anti human globulin
for detection. The need for detection of the weak D antigen
was to prevent alloimmunization by this blood if transfused
to a D negative patient especially to women in child bearing
age group. This contention is however, controversial and
not proven beyond doubt. Moreover, the use of potent
monoclonal D typing antisera detects low density of weak
D antigens thus obviating the use of anti human globulin.
We have assessed the incidence of Rh negative and weak
D blood groups in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and
reviewed the literature regarding the controversies in the
clinical significance of weak D antigen.
Description
Keywords
incidence, weak D antigen, anti human globulin, alloimmunization, immunoprophylaxis
Citation
Acharya Seema, Kudesia Sandip, Kumar Rajnish, Kishore Sanjeev. Acharya Rajiv. Weak D antigen - Revisited. Indian Medical Gazette. 2011 Sept; 145 (9): 342-345.