Variation of ABO gene distribution with socio-economic status was also demonstrated in England. Apart from the spatial and ethnic/racial variations, the ABO-Rh blood group frequencies may change temporally in a single population. The distribution of the ABO-Rh blood group varies markedly in different races and ethnic groups in different parts of the world. Particularly, identification of the Rh system is important to avoid a potential risk of erythroblastosis fetalis. Knowledge of distribution of ABO-Rh blood group is helpful for effective management of blood banks and safe blood transfusion services. They are routinely screened in transfusion and transplantation, pregnancy, forensics, paternity testing and legal medicine. These blood group systems have also got vital clinical and practical significance.

The ABO and Rh blood group antigens are investigated for understanding human inheritance and migration patterns. Among these, the ABO and Rhesus (Rh(D)) are the most important systems. While the ABO blood group distribution is similar to previous reports, the Rh(D) frequency is much higher than what was reported so far for Ethiopia and continental Africa.Д¬urrently there are about 700 human blood group antigens organized into 35 systems. The proportion of participants devoid of the Rh factor was 19.37%. However, blood type вЂAвЂ™ was the most frequent (44.07%) blood group among the вЂhighlandersвЂ™ and 50.42% of Nilotic natives had type вЂOвЂ™. ABO-Rh(D) blood groups were typed by agglutination, open-slide test method, using commercial antisera (Biotech laboratories Ltd, Ipswich, Suffolk, UK). The other group consisted of natives (Nilotics) to the locality (nВ =В 238). Those who originally moved from different parts of Ethiopia and currently residing in Gambella are named вЂhighlandersвЂ™ (nВ =В 211).

The patients were grouped into two broad categories. MethodsДЄ cross-sectional study was conducted between November and December 2013 (NВ =В 449). This study was, therefore, designed to determine the ABO-Rh(D) blood group distribution among patients attending Gambella hospital, southwestern Ethiopia. However, the distribution of these blood systems among Ethiopians in general is little explored. Knowledge of the distribution of ABO-Rh(D) blood groups in a locality is vital for safe blood services.

A negative blood type rarity