Comprehensive Analysis of ABO Blood Group Phenotypic and Genotypic Frequency Among A Cohort of Egyptian Blood Donors

Abstract Background Given that ABO blood group antigens vary among different ethnic groups and populations, a precise understanding of ABO phenotypes and genotypes is crucial for managing blood bank inventory and ensuring high-quality blood transfusion services. This is implemented to avert lethal incompatibilities following organ transplantation or blood transfusion. This study seeks to identify the prevalent ABO phenotypes and genotypes among a cohort of Egyptian random blood donors and to compare these findings with previously published data from various populations and ethnic groups. Results The distribution of ABO phenotypes in the investigated subjects was 37% for A (35% for A₁ & 2% for A₂), 30% for O, 22% for B, and 11% for AB (10% for A₁B & 1% for A₂B). however, the allelic distribution of the ABO blood group system revealed frequencies of A allele (29%), B allele (20%), and O allele (51%). In regards to the sub-allelic frequencies of ABO genotypes the results were as follows: A¹A¹ (6%), A¹A² (3.3%), A¹Odel (26%), A¹Onon − del (0.0%), A²A² (1.7%), A²Odel (0.0%), A²Onon − del (0.0%), BB (8%), BOdel (14%), BOnon−del (0.0%), OdelOdel (30%), OdelOnon−del (0.0%), Onon−delOnon−del (0.0%), AB (9.3%), and A²B (1.7%) in the Egyptian sample population, respectively. Conclusion This work provides a thorough profiling of the ABO blood group phenotypic, allelic, and genotypic distributions in an Egyptian blood donor cohort. The most common phenotype was A (37%), (A1 > A2), followed by O (30%), B (22%), and AB (11%) showing a distribution pattern that was largely in line with that of other Middle Eastern populations. The O allele predominance was confirmed at the allelic level, where the O allele was most prevalent, followed by A and B. Odel/Odel was the most prevalent genotype suggesting that Odel variations may be more prevalent in the Egyptian population. These results emphasize the critical importance of sub-allelic profiling in understanding blood group diversity within a given population which might have implications in population genetics, genetic association research, genetic diseases and blood transfusion compatibility.