Molecular background of Rh D-positive, D-negative, D(el) and weak D phenotypes in Chinese.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to elucidate the genetic background of D-negative and D(el) in the Chinese population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated nine D-positive, 76 D-negative, 26 D(el) and three weak D Chinese individuals by amplification and sequencing of the complete coding region of the RHD gene from genomic DNA. A new RHD polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method was developed with optimized specificity for typing Chinese individuals.

RESULTS

In D-positive samples the RHD sequence was in complete concordance with RHD in other populations. In 12 of 76 (15.8%) D-negative individuals we detected regions of RHD. Three new alleles were found. All 26 D(el), as well as two weak D, individuals carried an RHD 1227A allele. In the remaining weak D sample we identified a weak D type 15.

CONCLUSIONS

It should now be possible to correctly predict the RhD phenotype in Chinese subjects. D(el) can also be designated as a particular weak D type.