Blood groups systems

Ranadhir Mitra, Nitasha Mishra, and Girija Prasad Rath

Abstract
International Society of Blood Transfusion has recently recognized 33 blood group systems. Apart from ABO and Rhesus system,
many other types of antigens have been noticed on the red cell membranes. Blood grouping and cross-matching is one of the few
important tests that the anaesthesiologist orders during perioperative period. Hence, a proper understanding of the blood group
system, their clinical significance, typing and cross-matching tests, and current perspective are of paramount importance to prevent
transfusion-related complications. Nonetheless, the knowledge on blood group system is necessary to approach blood group-linked
diseases which are still at the stage of research. This review addresses all these aspects of the blood groups system.

Keywords: ABO blood groups, antibody typing, blood group system, rhesus blood group, screening

INTRODUCTION
The term “blood group” refers to the entire blood group system comprising red blood cell (RBC) antigens whose specificity is
controlled by a series of genes which can be allelic or linked very closely on the same chromosome. “Blood type” refers to a
specific pattern of reaction to testing antisera within a given system. Over a period of time, our understanding on blood groups has
evolved to encompass not only transfusion-related problems but also specific disease association with RBC surface antigens. Karl
Landsteiner has been credited for the discovery of ABO blood group system in 1900.[1] His extensive research on serology based
on simple but strong scientific reasoning led to identification of major blood groups such as O, A, and B types, compatibility
testing, and subsequent transfusion practices. He was awarded Noble Prize in 1930 for this discovery. His obituary lists an
immense contribution of more than 346 publications. Later, Jan Jansky described classification of human blood groups of four
types.

BLOOD GROUPS
At present, 33 blood group systems representing over 300 antigens are listed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion.
[2,3] Most of them have been cloned and sequenced. The genes of these blood group systems are autosomal, except XG and XK
which are X-borne, and MIC2 which is present on both X and Y chromosomes. The antigens can be integral proteins where
polymorphisms lie in the variation of amino acid sequence (e.g., rhesus [Rh], Kell), glycoproteins or glycolipids (e.g., ABO). Some
of the important groups are mentioned here [Table 1].

Table 1
Blood group systems

ABO system
Among the 33 systems, ABO remains the most important in transfusion and transplantation since any person above the age of 6
months possess clinically significant anti-A and/or anti-B antibodies in their serum. Blood group A contains antibody against blood
group B in serum and vice-versa, while blood group O contains no A/B antigen but both their antibodies in serum.
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 H-antigen
H-antigen is the precursor to the ABO blood group antigens. It is present in all RBCs irrespective of the ABO system. Persons with
the rare Bombay phenotype are homozygous for the H gene (HH), do not express H-antigen on their RBCs. As H-antigen acts as
precursor, its absence means the absence of antigen A and B. However, the individuals produce isoantibodies to H-antigen as well
as to antigens A and B.

Rhesus system
Rhesus-system is the second most important blood group system after ABO.[4] Currently, the Rh-system consists of 50 defined
blood group antigens out of which only five are important. RBC surface of an individual may or may not have a Rh factor or
immunogenic D-antigen. Accordingly, the status is indicated as either Rh-positive (D-antigen present) or Rh-negative (D-antigen
absent). In contrast to the ABO system, anti-Rh antibodies are, normally, not present in the blood of individuals with D-negative
RBCs, unless the circulatory system of these individuals has been exposed to D-positive RBCs. These immune antibodies are
immunoglobulin G (IgG) in nature and hence, can cross the placenta. Prophylaxis is given against Rh immunization using anti-D
Ig for pregnant Rh-negative mothers who have given birth to Rh-positive child.

MNS antigen system

MNS antigen system, first described by Landsteiner and Levine in 1927 is based on two genes: Glycophorin A and Glycophorin B.
The blood group is under control of an autosomal locus on chromosome 4 and also under control of a pair of co-dominant alleles
LM and LN. Anti-M and anti-N antibodies are usually IgM types and rarely, associated with transfusion reactions.

Lutheran system
Lutheran system comprised of four pairs of allelic antigens representing single amino acid substitution in the Lutheran
glycoprotein at chromosome 19. Antibodies against this blood group are rare and generally not considered clinically significant.

Kell system
These erythrocyte antigens are the third most potent immunogenic antigen after ABO and Rh system, and are defined by an
immune antibody, anti-K. It was first noticed in the serum of Mrs. Kellacher. She reacted to the erythrocytes of her newborn infant
resulting in hemolytic reactions. Since then 25 Kell antigens have been discovered. Anti-K antibody causes severe hemolytic
disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN) and haemolytic transfusion reactions (HTR).

Du!y system
Duffy-antigen was first isolated in a patient called Duffy who had haemophilia. It is also known as Fy glycoprotein and is present
in the surface of RBCs. It is a nonspecific receptor for several chemokines and acts as a receptor for human malarial parasite,
Plamodium vivax. Antigens Fya and Fyb on the Duffy glycoprotein can result in four possible phenotypes, namely Fy(a+b−),
Fy(a+b+), Fy(a−b+), and Fy(a−b−). The antibodies are IgG subtypes and can cause HTR.

Kidd system
Kidd antigen (known as Jk antigen) is a glycoprotein, present on the membrane of RBCs and acts as a urea transporter in RBCs
and renal endothelial cells. Kidd antibodies are rare but can cause severe transfusion reactions. These antigens are defined by
reactions to an antibody designated as anti-Jka, discovered in the serum of Mrs. Kidd who delivered a baby with HDFN. Jka was
the first antigen to be discovered by Kidd blood group system, subsequently, two other antigens Jkb and Jk3 were found.
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 Agarwal et al.[5] carried out a study on automated analysis of blood groups in north Indian donor population and observed that the
common blood groups in order of frequency were B, O, A, and AB; 94.4% being Rh-positive. In minor blood groups, the most
commonly appearing phenotypes were Le (a−b−) for Lewis, Fy(a+b+) for Duffy, Jk(a+b+) for Kidd, and M+N+ for MNS system.

IMPORTANCE OF BLOOD GROUPS

Structural lesions of red blood cell

Of the 33 blood group system antigens, five are defined by their carbohydrate structures (ABO, H, P1Pk, I, GLOB); two are
obtained from the plasma (LE, CH⁄RG). The remaining 23 are characterized by the protein sequence of the RBC membrane
protein,[6,7] five major proteins (DI, Rh, RhAG, MNS, GE, and CO) among them are expressed at higher levels and function as
membrane transporters, whereas the functional importance of rest of 17 antigens is unknown. The proposed function of other
antigens are mostly receptor/ligand signaling, enzymatic activity, and glycocalyx formation.[8] The null phenotype of the system,
however, shows no immune system abnormalities when compared with mice except for a blunted neutrophil response on exposure
to bacterial lipopolysaccharide.[9] Similarly, Knops blood group antigen has been associated with complement receptor 1[10] and
Cromer system with decay acceleration factor.[11] Nevertheless, the clinical function of the null phenotypes of these blood groups
still remains to be elucidated [Table 2].

Table 2
Pathology associated with the null phenotype of the RBC antigen

Blood groups and disease association

The ABO blood groups have a profound influence on haemostasis.[12] They exert major quantitative effects on plasma levels of
von Willebrand factor and factor VIII. Increased association of myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, and venous
thromboembolism is seen with blood groups A and AB[13] possibly through functional ABO glycol transferases modulation of
thrombosis. A higher risk of cerebral venous thrombosis has been reported in non-O groups.[14] Significant association of ABO
groups with the prevalence of preeclampsia has been reported, where AB group was found to be associated with an increased risk
of 2.1-folds.[15] Preliminary studies suggested an association of ABO system with malignancies. A positive correlation has been
shown between blood group A with chronic hepatitis-B infection and pancreatic cancer;[16] and blood group B with ovarian
cancer.[17] Protection against falciparum malaria can be achieved with group O by reducing rosette formation.[18] Blood group O
increases the severity of infection in Vibrio cholerae strains (O1 El Tor and O139).

BLOOD REQUISITION
After the decision to transfuse blood is taken the next step should be to order a requisition during which the following steps need to
be remembered.

Blood grouping and cross-matching

The most fatal of all transfusion-related reaction is ABO incompatibility causing complement-mediated intravascular hemolysis.
Hence, correct blood grouping and typing, and cross-checking with the blood requisition form is of utmost importance. ABO
typing is carried out by testing RBCs for the A and B antigens and the serum for the A and B antibodies before transfusion. The
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 next step involves Rh typing with only 15% of the population being Rh-negative.

Cross-matching
Cross-matching involves mixing of donor RBCs with the recipient serum to detect fatal reactions.[19] It has three phases in which
the first phase (1-5 min) involves detection of ABO incompatibility and detection of antibody against MN, P, and Lewis systems.
The second phase (30-45 min in albumin and 10-20 min in low ionic salt solution) involves incubation of first phase reactants at
37°C for detection of incomplete antibodies of Rh system. The third phase consists of the addition of antiglobulin sera to the
incubated second phase reactants to detect incomplete antibodies of Rh, Kidd, Kell and Duffy. Among the three phases, the first
two phases are more important as they detect those involved in fatal HTR. The total time taken for all the three phases is in
between 45 and 60 min.

Antibody screening
Here, commercially prepared RBCs with all the antigens, which direct production of antibodies causing hemolytic reactions, are
mixed with the recipient's serum to detect the presence of those very antibodies. It is also carried out with the donor's serum.

CHANGING PRACTICES IN BLOOD GROUPING

There are controversies regarding the best method for procurement of blood during elective and emergency situations: (a) It can be
done by routinely asking for grouping and cross-matching in elective surgical patients. Many scientific articles disputed the
relevance of preoperative arrangement of blood in surgeries where blood loss is not anticipated to be significant.[20,21] (b) Blood
may be ordered without full set of investigations.[19] ABO-Rh typing alone results in a 99.8% chance of a compatible transfusion.
Antibody screening increases this safety margin up to 99.94%, and an additional cross-match further increases the compatibility to
99.95%. In absence of cross-matching, there is a possibility of missing the antigens on donor cells, but in clinical practice, they are
of less importance. Hence, “screening and typing” alone should be carried out. Other methods include “type and partial cross-
match,” which includes the immediate phase of cross-match; “type and uncross match,” for those recipients who have never been
transfused before, the chance of detection of antibody with each cross-match is 1:1000; “type O Rh-negative uncross match,” it is
performed in emergency situation when the time for these procedures is limited. In the latter condition, type O Rh-negative packed
RBCs, that is, the universal donor can be used as they will have a negligible amount of hemolytic anti-A/anti-B antibodies against
the recipient RBCs.

CURRENT TRENDS AND FUTURE AREAS OF RESEARCH

Three main antigen-modulation strategies have been proposed to prevent immune recognition of incompatible RBCs and to avoid
haemolytic reactions due to alloimmunization. The first approach relies on enzymatic conversion of specific blood group antigens,
that is, manipulation of the ABO system. Goldstein and Lenny achieved a remarkable milestone with the development of
technology named “enzyme converted group O-RBC (ECO-RBC) concept” where the B antigen is replaced with O using
galactosidase.[22] This treatment leaves fewer than 2000 antigenic sites per RBC without affecting membrane deformability, gas
exchange, or expression of the RhD, C and E, MNS, Lewis, Kell, Lutheran, Duffy, and Kidd blood group systems as their
antigenicity do not depend on the terminal galactose residues. In contrast with the B antigen, enzymatic conversion of A antigen
was difficult due to existence of two Type-A blood group structures (A2 and A1).[23] Two new enzymes, N-
acetylgalactosaminidase and a-galactosidase have been identified for removal of antigens A and B, respectively; and tested for
their ability to generate ECO-RBCs from A1, A2, B, or AB donor units.[24] The enzyme conversion strategy has also been
proposed to resolve ABO incompatibility issues in the field of organ transplantation.[25] The second approach is to mask antigens
by treatment of RBCs with polyethylene glycol; also known as the stealth RBC concept. The third approach involves in vitro
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 production of RBCs with a predefined antigenic profile from genetically manipulated stem cells.[26] Such cells could be used for
the generation of “universal-donor” RBCs.

SUMMARY
Currently, our knowledge on blood groups goes beyond the usual tests of agglutination and transfusion to the better understanding
of RBC antigens in light of their association with multiple diseases and the scope of use of this knowledge to modulate the disease
processes. In this context, the role of adequate understanding of screening, typing, and cross-matching apart from awareness on
evolving trends, for every clinician, may not be overemphasized.

Footnotes
Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None declared

Article information
Indian J Anaesth. 2014 Sep-Oct; 58(5): 524–528.
doi: 10.4103/0019-5049.144645

PMCID: PMC4260296
PMID: 25535412

Ranadhir Mitra, Nitasha Mishra, and Girija Prasad Rath

Department of Neuroanaesthesiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
Address for correspondence: Dr. Girija Prasad Rath, Department of Neuroanaesthesiology, Neurosciences Centre, All India Institute of Medical Sciences,
New Delhi - 110 029, India. E-mail: [email protected]
Copyright : © Indian Journal of Anaesthesia
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 Unported, which permits
unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Articles from Indian Journal of Anaesthesia are provided here courtesy of Wolters Kluwer -- Medknow Publications

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