Approximately 600 blood group antigens have been described so far. These are inherited stable characteristic and therefore are useful in paternity testing, transfusion medicine, prevention and management of HTR and HDFN [1]. The Duffy antigen located on the surface of red blood cells was first discovered in 1950 and named after the multiply transfused haemophiliac in whose serum contained the first example of anti Fy (a) antibody. The protein encoded by this gene is a glycosylated membrane protein and a non-specific receptor for several chemokines. The protein is also the receptor for the human malarial parasites Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium knowlesi [2-4].
In areas of West Africa, there is a high frequency of the Fy (ab-) phenotype. This has prevented P. vivax malaria from becoming endemic in West Africa [5]. Antibodies against Duffy antigens have all been implicated as the cause of transfusion reaction [6-8]. Maternalfoetal incompatibilities within the Duffy blood group system is a common cause of HDFN. The Duffy antigens are known to cause maternal immunization and subsequent HDFN [9-11].
There is paucity of data on the prevalence of Duffy blood group antigens among pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria. The risk of anti- Duffy- related HDFN in this environment is unknown. Therefore the present study is aimed at determining the prevalence of Duffy these antigens among pregnant women in Sokoto, Nigeria. Data generated will help improve the obstetrics care offered to pregnant women in the area and may help justify the need to routinely screen pregnant women in the area for clinically significant red cell antigens as well as help blood bank in the area to stock optimum levels of Duffy negative units.