The distributions of JK blood group system among healthy blood donors in western region of Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional study

The Kidd (JK) blood group system has 3 antigens: Jka, Jkb, and Jk3. The forming antibodies directed against these antigens can lead to hemolytic transfusion reactions due to incompatible blood transfusions. This study aimed to determine the incidence of Jka and Jkb antigens and their phenotypes among blood donors at King Abdulaziz Medical City-Western Region, Saudi Arabia. In this cross-sectional retrospective study, a total of 14,987 blood donors were attended at the blood bank of King Abdulaziz Medical City-Western Region between January 2020 and May 2024. Serological investigation was conducted using a solid-phase technique to identify the Jka and Jkb antigens as well as the phenotypes. Most blood donors were Saudis (n = 12,844, 85.70%), whereas 2143 (14.30%) were non-Saudis. The distributions of Jka and Jkb antigens in Saudis were 87.87% and 53.94%, respectively. The frequencies in the non-Saudi population were 84.10% and 64.39%, respectively. This difference was statistically significant (P < .01). The proportions of the JK phenotypes showed a highly statistically significant difference between Saudis and non-Saudis (P < .01). Among Saudis, the JK phenotypes were 46.04% Jk(a+b-), 41.48% Jk(a+b+), 12.09% Jk(a-b+). and 0.03% Jk(a-b-). In contrast, the JK phenotypes in non-Saudis were 35.60% Jk(a+b-), 48.53% Jk(a+b+), and 15.87% Jk(a-b+), with no incidence of Jk(a-b-) phenotype. This study reported the frequencies of JK blood group among Saudi and non-Saudi blood donors. Based on these findings, incorporation of JK antigen screening into transfusion protocols is recommended to enhance the safety and efficacy of blood transfusions.