Frequency Distribution of Hemoglobin Variants, ABO and Rhesus Blood Groups among Students of African Descent

Background: Hemoglobin variants, ABO and Rhesus blood groups are known to vary from one population to another. This study therefore sought to study the frequency of these indices among a cohort of Nigerian University students of African descent. The result will serve as a platform for instituting genetic counseling services with a view to reducing hemoglobinopathies.
Methods: Two hundred consenting students were recruited and screened for hemoglobin variants by standard alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis. ABO and Rhesus blood groups were determined by the hemagglutination technique.
Results: Of the 200 students aged 18 – 25 years that were screened, 123 (61.5%) were males and 77(38.5%) were females. Those with blood group O were the most prevalent (45%) followed by groups A (25.5%), B (25%) and AB (3.5%). Only 2 genotypes HbAA (78.5%) and HbAS (21.5%) were reported in this study. Rhesus D antigen was positive for 94.0% and negative for 6.0% of the study population.
Conclusions: The frequency of ABO and Rhesus blood groups appeared to be stable and consistent with reports from previous studies in Nigeria. Blood group O was the most prevalent. This also means there is a large pool of ‘’apparently’’ universal blood donors in this population. There was only one genotype variant reported (HbAS). This could imply a decline in hemoglobinopathies among Africans. Therefore the culture of genetic counseling must be encouraged and sustained.