Detection of the distribution frequency of Diego blood type based on multiplex droplet digital PCR

The Diego blood group is a crucial blood group system for ensuring the safety of clinical transfusions. However, current detection methods for the Diego blood group remain limited. This study aims to develop a multiplex digital PCR approach for Diego blood group genotyping and establish a blood pool in the northwest region. Additionally, multiplex digital PCR is used to determine the distribution frequencies of the Diego blood group antigens Dia and Dib in this region. The proportions of Di(a+b-), Di(a+b+), and Di(a-b+) phenotypes in a blood pool of 1000 individuals, as determined by multiplex digital PCR, were 0.281%, 6.972%, and 92.747%, respectively. The frequencies of the Dia and Dib antigens in Xi'an region were 7.253% and 99.719%, respectively. This study established a multiplex digital PCR method for detecting the Diego blood group and analyzing its population distribution frequency. The method enables accurate Diego blood group detection in individual samples and provides population-level distribution data. These findings are valuable for understanding genetic polymorphisms and heterogeneity in the local population. In this study, multiplex digital PCR was employed for the first time to detect the Diego blood group. This approach holds significant promise for being extended to a wider range of blood group research in the future, thus demonstrating extensive potential for application.