Chapter 10, Problem 10MC

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Human blood group classification is based on two agglutinogens, A and B. Apart from these two agglutinogens, there is another type of agglutinogen, called agglutinogen D, that is found in human body. Agglutinogen D is responsible for Rh (Rhesus) blood classification. The person who carries agglutinogen D belongs to Rh⁺ (Rhesus positive) group and who lacks this agglutinogen belongs to Rh⁻ (Rhesus negative) group.

Hemolysis means rupture of the red blood cells (RBCs). When an Rh⁻ individual receives blood from an Rh⁺ person, the immune cells of Rh⁻ person attack the agglutinogen D of Rh⁺ blood as an antigen. This causes rupture of the RBCs. Hemolysis does not occur in first-time blood transfusion as the body needs time to create antibodies against the Rh antigen. After the formation of antibodies, Rh⁻ blood always reacts with Rh⁺ blood when both these blood types come in contact.