title: PCR screening for common weak D types shows different distributions in three Central European populations.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  DNA sequencing showed RHD mutations for all weak D phenotypes investigated in a study from Southwestern Germany. Molecular classification of weak D offers a more reliable basis than serotyping and is relevant for optimal D transfusion strategies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sequence-specific primers were designed to detect weak D types 1 to 5 and the partial D phenotype HMi in a modular set for conventional PCR analysis. Alternatively, all reactions were multiplexed into a single tube, and the products were identified after automated capillary electrophoresis by their size and fluorescence. Weak D phenotype samples from 436 donors in the Tyrol (Austria) and Northern Germany were investigated by PCR.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More than 90 percent of the weak D types identified by PCR represented type 1, 2, or 3. The distribution among the common types varied between the Tyrol and Northern Germany (p<0.0001). Three new RHD alleles were identified.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A PCR method of detecting the common weak D types was validated. This PCR system introduces a simple and rapid tool for routine DNA typing of weak D samples. The results confirmed that all weak D phenotype samples identified by current serologic criteria carry altered D proteins.
authors.affiliation: Oldenburg Institute, German Red Cross Blood Donor Service NSOB, Oldenburg, Germany. tmueller@rdg.behringer-ingelheim.com
authors.forename: T H
authors.initials: TH
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: F F
authors.initials: FF
authors.lastname: Wagner
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Trockenbacher
authors.forename: N I
authors.initials: NI
authors.lastname: Eicher
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Flegel
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Schönitzer
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schunter
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gassner
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D001317:Austria; D017931:DNA Primers; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D007519:Isoantigens / Q000235:genetics*; D010641:Phenotype; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*
chemical_list: D017931:DNA Primers; D007519:Isoantigens; D012204:Rh-Hr Blood-Group System