Distribution of ABO, Rh, MNSs, Kell and Duffy blood-group antigens in population of Vojvodina

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of erythrocyte blood group antigen polymorphisms and genetic variability in population of Vojvodina was performed by investigating gene and genotype frequencies which determine antigens of ABO, Rh, MNSs, Kell and Duffy blood-group systems. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We investigated 350 unrelated persons from Vojvodina in regard to appurtenance of ABO, Rh, MNSs, Kell and Duffy blood-group systems. We calculated gene, genotype, phenotype frequencies and proportion significance test. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Results of investigation revealed that gene and genotype frequencies of investigated blood-group systems are similar to corresponding data for majority of European populations, while statistically significant differences were established in inhabitants of geographically distant regions. Values of proportion significance test revealed statistically significant differences of genotype frequencies for ABO and MNSs blood-group antigens in populations of: Australian Aborigines, Chinese population, Arabians, Blacks, Eskimos, American Indians (Navaho and Pueblo) and population of Papua New Guinea. Statistically significant differences of genotype frequencies were established in inhabitants of narrow geographical areas of Europe such as: Finland, Germany, Sweden, Albania, England and Netherlands. CONCLUSION: Our results point to the fact that erythrocyte blood-groups have different frequencies in some parts of the world, and that there are great differences in frequencies of some blood-groups among inhabitants of various continents and races. Genetical peculiarity of the population of Vojvodina points to the fact that differences in blood-group frequencies are also present among inhabitants of narrow geographical areas.