Frequency and Distribution of Kell and Duffy Antigens among Blood Donors in Rivers State, Nigeria

Abstract

Blood group antigen variability has significant implications for transfusion safety and prevention of alloimmunization, particularly in multi-ethnic populations where antigen expression may differ. This study investigated the distribution of Kell and Duffy blood group antigens among blood donors in Rivers State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 412 voluntary blood donors aged 23–48 years, selected through simple random sampling technique. The participants comprised 218 (53%) males and 194 (47%) females, distributed as 158 (38%) Ikwerre, 136 (33%) Ogoni, and 118 (29%) Ijaw. Standard serological techniques were used for Duffy and Kell phenotyping, and data were analyzed descriptively. Results showed that of the 412 donors, Duffy phenotype Fy(a−b−) was 400 (97.09%) subjects, Fy(a+b−) was 4 (0.97%), and Fy(a−b+) was 8 (1.94%), and a complete absence of Fy(a+b+) (0%). The Kell (K) antigen was absent in all donors (0%). Fy(a−b−) was more frequent in males (52.43%) than in females (44.66%). Findings from this study suggest a predominance of Fy(a−b−), which aligns with established African genetic patterns, while the absence of the K antigen indicates a low alloimmunization risk, including notable gender and tribal variations. However, further multi-centre studies, molecular genotyping, and broader donor recruitment are recommended to validate and strengthen these findings.