Distribution of ABO and RHD blood group antigens in blood donors in Burkina Faso

Abstract Geographical distribution of ABO and RHD antigens is important for blood transfusion services and population genetics studies. There are few data on this topic in Burkina Faso, a multi‐ethnic country. Our study aims at reporting phenotypic and allelic frequencies of ABO and RHD blood groups among voluntary blood donors from various ethnical regions of Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross‐sectional study including 81,486 blood donors. ABO allelic frequencies were determined using the Bernstein method. Differences in phenotypic distribution of blood groups were assessed using the chi‐square test; a p value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant. We noticed that O+>B+>A+>AB+>O‐>B‐>A‐>AB‐ in our population. Phenotypic frequencies of blood groups A, B, O and AB were respectively 22.54%, 28.56%, 43.30% and 5.60%. RHD+was 92.24%. The allelic frequencies of A, B, O and D were respectively 0.1524; 0.1887; 0.6590 and 0.7214. We noticed statistical differences ( p  < 0.05) between these administrative regions which corresponded roughly to some natural ethnic areas. Indeed, the phenotype O was more frequent in the Central‐west, Central and East regions corresponding to “Mossi,” “Gourounsi,” “Gourmantché” areas while the phenotype A and AB were more reported in “Boucle du mouhoun” and “Hauts‐Bassins” regions where we have “Bwaba” and “Bobo.” The phenotype O negative was less frequent in “Bwaba.” Our study provides interesting information to blood services that will allow them to better refine their donor recruitment strategies.