Association between Non-secretion of ABH Antigens and Sickle Cell Anaemia

Abstract

Aim: To determine whether non-secretion of ABH blood group antigens was associated with Sickle Cell Anaemia.
 Materials and Methods: Haemaglutination inhibition test was carried out on saliva samples from 300 individuals; 100 of whom had haemoglobin (Hb) genotype AA, 100 HbAS, 50 HbAC and 50 HbSS. ABO blood grouping was carried out by standard methods and Haemoglobin genotype test was performed by cellulose acetate electrophoresis technique.
 Results: Eighteen percent (18%) of HbAA, 23% of HbAS, 18% of HbAC and 42% of HbSS individuals were non-secretors of ABH antigens (p = 0.007). Non-secretion of ABH substances was more associated with HbSS persons than HbAA (p = 0.002), HbAS (p = 0.016) and HbAC (p = 0.009) individuals.
 Conclusion: Non-secretion of ABH blood group substances is associated with Sickle Cell Anaemia.