Comparative frequency and allelic distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood groups of major tribal communities of southern Bangladesh with general population and their determinants

Abstract

Background: Allelic distribution of major blood groups (ABO and rhesus) has not been defined in Bangladeshi population. Determinants of blood group frequency in this region have not been studied properly.
Aim: To determine ABO and rhesus blood group frequency and allelic distribution in a multiethnic area of Bangladesh and to explore possible genetic, racial and environmental factors influence as determinants of major blood groups.
Subjects and methods: Data collected retrospectively from blood group register of Rangamati General Hospital (2006–2011). Four tribal (Chakma, Marma, Tanchangya and Tripura) and general Bengali population were included in the study.
Results: Collectively all tribal had distinct ABO phenotypic frequency (B> A >O >AB)
which is different from Bengali population (O> B >A > AB). Tripura’s showed a unique pattern of A > B> AB > O. Overall tribal had higher frequency of B and AB group (P < 0.0001). Though differing in proportion; allelic frequency was O >B > A in all study groups except Tripura (A >O > B). Rhesus negative group was very uncommon in study groups. Data among tribal suggest their common origin as well as drift from original population due to possible founder effect among Tripura’s. Despite being malaria endemic zone the protective group O was less (P <0.0001) among native tribal (23%) and high among migrating Bengali (34%).