Decoding Kidd (JK) Blood System Phenotype in Kenya: Unveiling the Diversity with Cutting-Edge Next-Generation Sequencing Technology

Abstract

The Kidd blood group system plays a crucial role in transfusion medicine, and understanding the molecular basis of Kidd red cell alleles is essential for effective blood matching and preventing alloimmunization. In Africa there are limited reports on the phenotype distribution for the 45 blood group systems recognised by the ISBT. Most of the blood group determination is via serological methods however, only the major blood groups antigens are identified (ABO & RhD) despite the evidence of  some of the rare blood group antigens such as Kidd types being associated with clinical significance in transfusions, pregnancy  and transplantation. In adverse complicated undetermined cases, genomic typing has become useful in determining the involved red cell variant. The study sought to investigate the genotypic and phenotypic distribution of Kidd blood group alleles in the blood donor population to enhance safety in transfusion practice.

Methodology: The study site was Kenya National Blood Transfusion Service and Red Cross lifeblood Brisbane, experimental design was employed, sample size determination was by Slovin's Formula Sampling Techniques, and purposeful sampling method was employed to achieve a representative sample. Molecular genotyping were employed to determine red cell genotypes and phenotypes. Sequencing was performed using the Illumina MiSeq platform with 12-plex pools and standard 300-cycle V2 chemistry.

Results Of the 119 samples sequenced, thirteen JK genotype combinations were identified in the cohort, with the following predicted phenotype distribution: Jk(a+b-) 45.5%, Jk(a+b+) 25.7%, Jk(a+wb+) or Jk(a+b+w) 9.9%, Jk(a-b+) 9.4%, Jk(a+wb-) 5.8%, Jk(a+wb-) or Jk(a+b-) 2.1%, and Jk(a+wb+) 1.6%. These frequencies are consistent with global and sub-Saharan Kidd frequencies, highlighting the importance of population-specific data. Accurate genotyping and phenotype matching are essential to ensure safe and effective transfusions