Question

Which antiserum is used to detect Rh blood group?
A. Anti A
B. Anti B
C. Anti C
D. Anti D

Answer 1

Hint: Antisera is a serum which contains antibodies in the form of antitoxins or agglutinins, obtained by inoculation of animals and used for other animals to provide immunity to a specific disease.

Complete Answer:
- The anti D reagents are used to detect Rh blood group. It can be of types such as Anti-D, Anti-D (PK 1), Anti-D (PK 2). It can be detected because it contains antibodies against protein D.
- Rh blood group system is the second most important system other than ABO system. This factor was first reported in RBCs of Macaca rhesus (rhesus monkey).
- The inheritance of Rh groups consists of at least three genes (CD and E), located on chromosome 1 each with two alleles (C,c ; D,d; and E,e), making a large number of genotypic combinations possible.
- The antigens produced by genes C and E are weak, they make only minimal immune response. For practical purposes, the Rh system can be considered as a simple one gene, two allele system, involving alleles D and d.
- Individuals of genotypes DD or Dd are said to be Rh positive (Rh+) and those of genotype dd are said to be Rh negative (Rh-). Immunological incompatibility between mother and foetus sometimes results in a condition called hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).

The correct answer is (D) i.e. Anti D.

Note:
1. Individuals in blood group A produce the antigen A. They have anti-B antibodies.
2. Individuals in blood group B produce the B antigen and have Anti-A antibodies.
3. Individuals of blood group AB have both A and b antigen but no antibody.
4. Individuals of blood group O have no antigens but have both Anti-A and anti-B antibodies.