Kell Blood Group Antigen: Rare Amongst Igbo Descents in Nigeria

Kell blood group system is recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), and is characterized by its complexity and clinical significance. Kell blood group (K) antibodies can cause medical anomalies like Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction (HTR) and Haemolytic Disease of Foetus and New-born (HDFN). The study aimed at determining the presence of Kell blood group antigen(s) amongst some Igbos residing in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. This study was a cross-sectional study carried out among Igbo indigenes of the five Igbo speaking states whose origin of their first-generation parents are Igbos. A total number of two hundred and four (204) subjects (seventy-four (74) males and one hundred and thirty (130) females) within the ages of 15 to 47years were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected using standard venepucture technique. Sample analysis was carried out at the Medical Laboratory Unit of Professor Nimi Briggs Hospital, Rivers State University, Nkpolu-Oroworkwu, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. All subjects were recruited within three days and their blood samples collected on their respective days being the 19th, 20th and 25th day of November, 2024 and testing done within 24hours of sample collection. Determination of the presence of Kell blood group antigen (K) was carried out using Anti - Kell monoclonal reagents; Lot Number: 760108-B2, Expiry Date: 2026-07-30 (Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK). Phenotyping was done using standard tube technique as described by Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK. The result showed zero frequency occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigen in the studied population. This implies that Kell blood group is rare amongst the Igbos.

Keywords: Kell Blood Group, Igbo Descent, Nigeria, Kell Antigen, Kell Antibody.