Prevalence of weak D phenotype among D negative C/E+ blood donors in Morocco

Aims: Determination of D variants is important for selection of blood products and to prevent anti-D-related hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn. The prevalence of weak D phenotypes varies significantly among different ethnic populations. In Morocco, D variants have not been fully characterized. The purpose of this study was to determine prevalence of weak D among D negative and C/E+ blood donors and distribution of Rhesus blood group antigens using serologic methods. Methods: A total of 15,865 blood samples from Moroccan blood donors were tested for D, C, c, E, e antigens by routine serologic methods. Among blood donors serologically D negative C+ and/or E+, 63 samples were tested for weak D by indirect antiglobuline test, enzymatic treated cells test and adsorption elution technique. Results: Among 63 samples tested, 10 were positive by serologic methods (15.87%). Six samples identified as weak D by enzymatic test and four samples identified as Del by adsorption elution. Rhesus blood group antigens are distributed as DCcee: 38.85% and dccee :8.77%. Conclusion: The prevalence of D variants must be considered in transfusional and obstetrical strategy for RhD typing to ensure blood transfusion safety by optimizing the management of D-negative RBC units and Rh immune globulins.