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PCR screening for common weak D types shows different distributions in three Central European populations
Author(s) -
Müller Thomas H.,
Wagner Franz F.,
Trockenbacher Andreas,
Eicher Nicole I.,
Flegel Willy A.,
Schönitzer Diether,
Schunter Friedrich,
Gassner Christoph
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
transfusion
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.045
H-Index - 132
eISSN - 1537-2995
pISSN - 0041-1132
DOI - 10.1046/j.1537-2995.2001.41010045.x
Subject(s) - typing , phenotype , biology , allele , genetics , serotype , polymerase chain reaction , capillary electrophoresis , serology , microbiology and biotechnology , gene , virology , antibody
BACKGROUND: DNA sequencing showed RHD mutations for all weak D phenotypes investigated in a study from Southwestern Germany. Molecular classification of weak D offers a more reliable basis than serotyping and is relevant for optimal D transfusion strategies. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Sequence‐specific primers were designed to detect weak D types 1 to 5 and the partial D phenotype HMi in a modular set for conventional PCR analysis. Alternatively, all reactions were multiplexed into a single tube, and the products were identified after automated capillary electrophoresis by their size and fluorescence. Weak D phenotype samples from 436 donors in the Tyrol (Austria) and Northern Germany were investigated by PCR. RESULTS: More than 90 percent of the weak D types identified by PCR represented type 1, 2, or 3. The distribution among the common types varied between the Tyrol and Northern Germany (p<0.0001). Three new RHD alleles were identified. CONCLUSION: A PCR method of detecting the common weak D types was validated. This PCR system introduces a simple and rapid tool for routine DNA typing of weak D samples. The results confirmed that all weak D phenotype samples identified by current serologic criteria carry altered D proteins.