ABO Antibodies Among Group O Thai Blood Donors

Abstract

Abstract: Previous reports have shown antibody titers in different parts of the world have either increased or decreased throughout time. The cause of changing titers was found to be environmental rather than hereditary. During the past 10 years, there was only few studies concerning ABO antibodies in group O Thai blood donors. In spite of existing clinical significance of ABO titers for platelet transfusion when ABO identical is not available as well as transfusion of group O blood to non-group O recipients in emergency lifesaving resuscitation where and situation when the red blood cells (packed red cells) and other forms of red cell components group O can not absolutely be obtained. The objective of this study was to further investigate for the level of anti-A and anti-B in group O Thai blood donors. Materials and Methods: The study included 100 group O Thai blood donors consisted of 53 males, 19-59 years and 47 females 21-55 years of age. The saline tube test at room temperature (22-24๐C) was used for determining of anti-A and anti-B titers. Results: The study revealed that anti-B titers (4-1024) were higher than anti-A (4-512) titers. The finding also demonstrated the tendency of high anti-A and anti-B titers in female vs. male (p = 0.057 for anti-A: p = 0.297 for anti-B) and in young age group (19-40 years) tendency of higher anti-A and anti-B titers vs. old age group (> 40-60 years) (p = 0.275 for anti-A : p = 0.013 for anti-B). It was found that the range of anti-A titer was from 4-512 while anti-B titer was from 4-1024, and the overall titer ≤ 64 for anti-A was 84% while overall titer ≤ 64 for anti-B titer was 73%. Discussion and Conclusion: the change in anti-A and anti-B titers are most likely due to environmental factors rather than genetics. The obvious variable factors involved are age and gender of the individuals. Female blood donors possessed higher range of both anti-A and anti-B than male blood donors. Young age group (19-40 yrs.) had higher anti-A and anti-B titers than old age group (> 40-60 yrs.). Majority of blood donors had antibody titers ≤ 64 (84% for anti-A and 73% for anti-B). The regular population survey for anti-A and anti-B titers is beneficial for transfusion practice and may lead to guideline development for safe, efficient transfusion and in time