Genetics of Rhesus Factor

Abstract

Rhesus factor, so named after the Rhesus monkey, where it was first identified, is an important genetic component of human blood. Rhesus factor is a special protein found on the surface of the red blood cells. A person either has Rhesus factor or not. This is generally indicated as + or -, and is often combined with blood type denomination. Rhesus (or the D antigen) is inherited on one locus, on the short arm of the first chromosome, 1p36.2-p34, with two alleles, of which Rh+ is dominant and Rh- is recessive. The Rhesus system is much more complex than the ABO blood type system because there are more than 30 combinations possible when inherited, however for general usage, the Rh proteins are grouped into two families - either positive or negative.

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• Possible combinations of alleles leading to either positive or negative Rhesus factor
• Importance of matching the Rhesus factor during transfusion
• Role of Rhesus factor during pregnancy and delivery
• Prevalence of positive and negative Rhesus factor during different ethnic groups

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