GENETIC VARIABILITY OF BLOOD GROUP ANTIGENS AMONG MAJOR ETHNIC SUBGROUPS IN OWO: IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFUSION PRACTICE

ABSTRACT Ethnicity, a complex interplay of shared ancestry, cultural traditions, and geographical origins, significantly influences the distribution of blood group frequencies. ABO and RH blood groups are critical genetic markers in humans, crucial for safe blood transfusions, and offer insights into population genetics, disease associations, and evolutionary dynamics. This study examines 300 male and female participants', male 107 and female 193 who met the inclusion criteria residing in Owo to genetic variability of ABO and RH blood group antigens among various ethnic subgroups. Blood group of the participants were determined using cell and serum blood grouping. Result were analysed using SPSS version 28. Notably, the Yoruba ethnic group exhibited the highest frequency of the O blood group (45%), while the Igala and ljaw groups showed higher prevalence of the B blood group (26% and 28%, respectively). The distribution of RH blood group antigens also varied, with the Fulani ethnic group showing the highest percentage of RH-negative individuals (43%). This study provides valuable insights into the genetic variability of ABO and RH blood group antigens among major ethnic subgroups in Owo, Nigeria. The observed differences in this study underscore the importance of considering ethnic diversity in the context of blood transfusion services, genetic counselling, and disease association studies involving blood group antigens. Targeted blood donation campaigns for ethnic groups with unique blood type distributions. This study highlights the need for tailored healthcare strategies that account for genetic and cultural diversity in blood group distributions.