Prevalence study of feline AB blood types in Bangkok and vicinities of Thailand by rapid immunochromatographic test during 2022-2024

Abstract

The AB blood group system is a key classification for feline blood types, categorizing them as type A, B, or AB based on red blood cell surface antigens. This study aimed to update the prevalence of feline blood types among domestic and pedigreed cats in Bangkok and vicinities from 2022 to 2024. A total of 114 blood samples, including 76 Domestic Shorthairs (DSH) and 38 pedigreed cats, including 10 breeds, were analyzed using the rapid immunochromatographic feline blood typing. Results revealed that blood type A was predominant, present in 93.86% of cats, consistent with global findings. Blood types B and AB were rare, observed in 3.51% and 1.75% of cats, respectively, while one cat had an unidentified blood type. Breed-specific analysis showed blood type A to be most prevalent across nearly all breeds, especially in Domestic Shorthair and Persian cats, with B and AB types limited to a few breeds. This distribution emphasizes the importance of routine blood typing in clinical practice to prevent transfusion reactions, offering valuable insights for veterinary transfusion practices and breeding programs in Thailand.