RHD gene polymorphism among Palestinians of Gaza strip

Rh system is one of the highly complex blood group systems with many serologically defined Rh antigens. These antigens are expressed by proteins encoded by a pair of highly homologous genes located on chromosome 1. RHCE gene encodes the CcEe antigens, while the RHD encodes the D antigen. RhD is the most important, immunogenic and polymorphic Rh antigen from the clinical aspects [comprising at least 30 epitopes], as it plays a key role in transfusion medicine. Anti-D antibodies remain the leading cause of the hemolytic disease of the newborn [HDN], and antigen D compatible transfusion is a standard practice in transfusion therapy. Partial D lacks one or more D epitopes, and a partial D individual may be immunized on exposure to a normal D positive during blood transfusion or pregnancy. The DVI and DNB variants are the most frequent partial Ds that lack some D epitopes, DVI is usually typed as D negative while DNB is typed as D positive. We have examined 102 genomic DNA samples collected from blood donors expressing D positive [79 samples] and negative phenotypes [23 samples], to detect DVI and DNB variants, and to investigate the molecular basis of Rh negative phenotype. To verify the DVI variant; simplex PCR was used to detect the presence or absence of RHD exon 10/intron 4, while PCR-SSP was used to detect the DNB variant. Three DVI and three DNB samples were detected. The PCR results indicated a deletion of RHD gene in D negative specimens. The results show that the frequency of the DVI phenotype in Palestinians is greater than expected and routine screening for this phenotype should become mandatory for equivocal weak D blood samples

Relationship between demographic characteristics and community-acquired urinary tract infection

To investigate the effect of age, sex and marital status on the etiology of community-acquired urinary tract infection and the antimicrobial resistance of uropathogens, urine specimens collected from 270 outpatients were analysed and 121 significant monomicrobial cultures obtained. The microorganisms were identified and their susceptibility to 14 selected antimicrobial agents was determined. These results were then related to the age, sex and marital status of the patients. This study concludes that understanding the effect of the different factors on community-acquired urinary tract infections and their antimicrobial resistance will aid the proper management of this disease