ABO and Rhesus –D blood group distribution among voluntary blood donors in north-central Nigeria.

Background: Understanding ABO and Rh blood group distribution is crucial for the functional and successful
handling of blood bank inventory and effective management of safe blood transfusion services. The distribution of
ABO and Rh phenotypes tends to vary among different regions and races. Objectives: This study was carried out to
provide relevant data on the distribution of ABO and Rh-D blood group phenotypes in the North-central region of
Nigeria. Methods: This descriptive study included a total of 905 students and staff of 5 Tertiary Institutions in Kogi
and Kwara States, North Central Nigeria. The ABO and the Rhesus blood groups were determined using the tile
technique method. Forward blood grouping was done using standard antisera A, antisera B, and antisera D. The
statistical data were presented in number (frequency) and percentage. Results: Group O phenotype was the most
frequent blood group phenotype with over two-thirds (67.76%) of the population studied. This was followed by B and
A with 16.98% and 13.55% respectively. The AB blood group was the least observed phenotype with a frequency of
1.71%. The Rh-D antigen was detected in 479 (74.61%) of the voluntary blood donors while the Rh-D negative enotype was found in 163 (25.39%) of the population. Conclusion: Our study’s most common blood group was the O blood group followed by the B, A, and AB blood groups. Most voluntary blood donors were Rh-D positive,
constituting 93.2% of the population studied.