Frequency of Kell (K) Blood Group Antigen Amongst Indigenes of Ikwerre Ethnicity in Rivers State, Nigeria

Kell blood group is the third in ranking of clinical significance after the ABO and Rh blood group system. Kell blood group (K) antibodies are clinically significant enough to cause Haemolytic Transfusion Reaction (HTR) and Haemolytic Disease of the Foetus and New-born (HDFN). The aim of the study was to determine the frequency occurrence and percentage distribution of Kell blood group antigens amongst indigenes of Ikwerre ethnicity in Rivers State, Nigeria. This study was a cross-sectional study carried out amongst the Ikwerres whose first generational parental origin is Ikwerre. A total number of two hundred and six (206) subjects consisting of one-hundred males (100) and one-hundred and six females (106) within the age bracket of 18 - 40 years were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected using standard venipuncture technique into individualized EDTA sample container. Sample analysis was carried out at the Haematology Laboratory of Prof. Nimi Briggs Hospital, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt. All subjects were recruited for three days and their blood samples were taken on their respective days being the 19th, 20th and 25th day of November, 2024 and analysis carried out within 24hours of sample collection. Presence of Kell blood group antigen (K) was carried out using Anti - Kell Monoclonal, Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK, Lot Number: 760108-B2, Expiry Date: 2026-07-30. Phenotyping was done using the tube technique as described by Lorne Laboratories Ltd, UK. The result showed a total of four (4) positive cases of Kell antigen in only Females and none in males, as well as a percentage distribution of 1.9 % in Females. This finding therefore revealed the rarity of Kell blood group antigen amongst the Ikwerres.