Molecular background of Rh D-positive, D-negative, Del and weak D phenotypes in Chinese

Background and Objectives The aim of this study was to elucidate the genetic background of D-negative and D-el in the Chinese population. Materials and Methods We investigated nine D-positive, 76 D-negative, 26 D-el and three weak D Chinese individuals by amplification and sequencing of the complete coding region of the RHD gene from genomic DNA. A new RHD polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) method was developed with optimized specificity for typing Chinese individuals. Results In D-positive samples the RHD sequence was in complete concordance with RHD in other populations. In 12 of 76 (15.8%) D-negative individuals we detected regions of RHD. Three new alleles were found. All 26 D-el , as well as two weak D, individuals carried an RHD 1227A allele. In the remaining weak D sample we identified a weak D type 15. Conclusions It should now be possible to correctly predict the RhD phenotype in Chinese subjects. D-el can also be designated as a particular weak D type.