Platelet and granulocyte alloimmunisation in multitransfused Tunisian patients

We determined the frequency of post-transfusion alloimmunisation against platelet and granulocyte antigens in 51 Tunisian polytransfused patients with haematological diseases. Serum samples were analysed by a standard and an antiglobulin-augmented lymphocytotoxicity technique, a granulocyte agglutination test, a granulocyte immunofluorescence test, a platelet immunofluorescence test and the monoclonal antibody-specific immobilisation of platelet antigens assay. No granulocyte-specific antibodies were detected. HLA antibodies were found in 58.8% of patients. Platelet-specific antibodies were detected in four patients and were directed against human platelet antigen (HPA)-5b, HPA-1b and HPA-3a. The three patients with Glanzmann's thrombasthenia developed anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibodies. This study provides immunogenetic information that could improve the management of transfusion therapy in Tunisia.