Distribution of ABO blood groups and rhesus factor in a Large Scale Study of different cities and ethnicities in Khuzestan province, Iran

Background: The demand for blood and blood products has increased due to advances in medical science, population growth and increased life expectancy. This has increased the need for various blood groups in Khuzestan province because of the higher incidence of thalassemia and other blood transfusion dependent disorders in this province. Aim of the study: Due to the presence of various ethnic groups in Khuzestan province, several types of blood components are required. Knowing the distribution of blood groups in different blood collection centers and tribes is vital for proper object oriented blood collection. Subjects and methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study. The study population consisted of 29,922 donors visiting Ahvaz transfusion center, affiliated centers and mobile teams (except for teams established in garrisons) during three months in 2014. Forward and reverse blood grouping was conducted based on hemagglutination and hemolysis reactions. Data analysis was done by Chi-square test using SPSS software. Results: The highest percentage of blood groups in Khuzestan province was related to blood group O (40.21%) with the highest prevalence in Izeh and the lowest in Shadegan. The second most prevalent group was A for which Ramhormoz and Bandar-e Emam Khomeini had the highest percentage, and AB blood group had the lowest percentage and was most frequent in Shadegan. Moreover, blood group B was the most prevalent after group O among different ethnicities except for Bakhtiaris. Conclusion: Our study showed ethnicity-related prevalence. Overall, the blood group O had the highest prevalence and AB the lowest percentage among the ethnicities, indicating a significant difference with studies in other parts of the world