Distribution of ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups among Selected Tribes in Adamawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

Background/Objective: Prevalence of ABO and Rhesus blood groups varies from tribe to tribe. This study aims to examine the distribution of ABO and Rhesus blood group among selected tribes in Adamawa State, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: ABO and Rhesus phenotyping was carried out using standard tube technique. Result: Of the 654 subjects tested, 368 (56.2%) were of blood group O, 139 (21.3%) were blood group B, while 116 (17.7%) and 31 (4.7%) were group A and AB respectively. 577 (88.32%) were Rhesus D positive while 77 (11.79%) were Rhesus D negative. When comparing ABO blood group distribution among tribes, O blood group was higher among the Kilba tribe (4.74%) at P<0.05 compare to other tribes. Bura tribe had the highest AB blood group of 1.53%, the A blood group was more in Tangale tribe with 2.60% while B blood group was predominant in Wurkun tribe (3.67%) P<0.05. Kanuri tribe had the highest percentage (5.97%) of Rhesus ‘D’ negative blood group while Fulani, Vere, Hausa and Waja tribes had 2.14%, 2.60%, 0.31% and 0.77% of Rhesus D negative blood respectively. Conclusion: In Adamawa state, Gene frequencies with respect to the ABO system shows a formula O > B > A > AB indicating high prevalence of ‘O’ blood group and a predominance of allele B over allele A. Information obtained in this study will help in the optimum selection of blood type and blood products in Blood banking as well as facilitate the formulation of relevant blood banking and transfusion policies in this locality.