The relationship between immunogenic red blood cell antigens and Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection

Abstract

Introduction: Evidence suggests that red cell antigens may act as receptors for viruses and bacteria andtherefore could be associated with HIV infection. Previous studies have been controversial and thereforethe aim of this exploratory study was to analyse the expression of immunogenic red cell antigens inHIV-seropositive individuals and to compare the results to negative donors from South Africa.Methods: The expression of ABO, Rh, Kell and Duffy antigens from 119 HIV-seropositive patients wascompared to 317 HIV-seronegative blood donors. Nucleic acid amplification testing and PCR were usedto determine the HIV status and the ID-Gel Card Technology was used to determine the blood groupantigen profile.Results: There was no significant difference in the expression of A, B, AB, Duffy or Kel antigens betweenthe two groups but significantly lower numbers of HIV+ individuals were O Rh Negative (p = ,0.0001).Analysis of those with a Duffy null phenotype revealed a significantly higher incidence of blood type ARH1-Positive, Dce/R0r and B RH1-Positive, DcEe/R2r within the HIV-seropositive group (p = < 0.05). Noneof the HIV-seropositive individuals were O RH1-Negative, dce/rr.Conclusion: In conclusion these initial findings have demonstrated a decreased incidence of blood type ORh1-negative in HIV + individuals which suggests that red blood cell antigens may play an important rolein susceptibility to HIV infection. The relationship between red cell antigens and HIV infection howeverremains complex and therefore larger studies are required to confirm these results.