The frequencies of Kidd blood group antigens and phenotypes among Saudi blood donors in Southwestern Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND: The patients who require transfusion are prevalent in the Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. Therefore, it is essential to know the frequency of blood group antigens in such a population. The Kidd blood group system (JK) has two antithetical antigens, Jk(a) and Jk(b). Antibodies to these antigens may result in delayed hemolytic transfusion reactions. The present study investigated the frequencies of Jk(a) and Jk(b) and the phenotypes among Saudi blood donors living in the Jazan Province. METHODS: One hundred and forty-three samples from anonymous Saudi volunteer blood donors in the Jazan Province were serotype to detect Jk(a) and Jk(b) using gel card technology and determine the phenotypes of the JK blood group system. RESULTS: The prevalence of Jk(a) and Jk(b) antigens were 90.64% (n = 126) and 69.40% (n = 93), respectively. The JK phenotypes were 34.96% Jk(a + b − ) (n = 51), 12.59% Jk(a − b + ) (n = 18), 52.45% Jk(a + b + ) (n = 75), and 0% Jk(a − b − ). The frequencies of the JK phenotypes in the Jazan population were significantly different from those in the Asian population (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We reported the frequencies of the Jk(a) and Jk(b) antigens and the distribution of the JK phenotypes in a group of Saudi blood donors in the Jazan Province, Saudi Arabia. The phenotype Jk(a + b + ) was the most common among the study population. Furthermore, this study emphasizes the significance of identifying the frequency of JK antigens and phenotypes in the provinces of Saudi Arabia.