Blood groups in Papua New Guinea Eastern Highlands.

Blood group polymorphisms were analysed in inhabitants of Papua New Guinea Eastern Highlands. The aim of the study was to assess the situation of the Baruya tribe among other Anga peoples: Youwarounatche, Andje, Usarumpia, Langimar. A non-Anga tribe, the Aziana, was also sampled. ABO, RH, MNS, P, KEL, FY and JK systems were tested in each group. ABOO gene was predominant, ABOAint was relatively high, ABOB was rare in all tribes and absent in the Usarumpia tested. The Ns haplotype was the most frequent in MNS system. All tested subjects were RHD, KEL (-) and FY (a+b-), with very few exceptions. The presence of one CcdEe and 5 FY (a+b+) subjects may be due to foreign admixture. A noteworthy genetic microdifferentiation was observed between tribes. Geographical isolation and genetic drift has played an important role in the differentiation of the various groups.