The word "Rhesus Blood Group Systems" refers to the classification of blood types based on the presence or absence of the Rhesus factor antigen. The phonetic transcription of this term is /ˈriːsəs blʌd ɡruːp ˈsɪstəmz/. The first syllable is pronounced like "ree", followed by "suhss" for the second and third syllable. The fourth syllable is pronounced as "blud". The final two syllables are pronounced as "groop" and "sistuhms", respectively. This spelling aims to accurately represent the sounds of each letter and syllable in the term.
The Rhesus Blood Group Systems, also known as the Rh system, refer to a set of blood group antigens that are present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). These antigens are named after the Rhesus monkey, in which they were first discovered. The Rhesus system is one of the most important blood group systems after the ABO system.
The Rhesus blood group antigens are primarily determined by two major antigens, known as RhD and RhCE. The RhD antigen is the most clinically significant antigen in the system, and its presence or absence on RBCs categorizes individuals as RhD positive (RhD+) or RhD negative (RhD-). Individuals who are RhD+ possess the RhD antigen on their RBCs, while those who are RhD- lack this antigen.
The presence or absence of the Rhesus antigens in an individual's blood is important for various reasons. In cases of incompatible blood transfusions or pregnancies where the mother is RhD- and the father is RhD+, the mother may develop RhD antibodies if she is sensitized to the antigen. These antibodies, when produced, can harm the baby's RBCs during subsequent pregnancies, leading to hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN).
The determination of an individual's Rhesus blood group is crucial for blood transfusion compatibility and prenatal care. By understanding whether a person is RhD positive or negative, healthcare professionals can prevent RhD sensitization during pregnancy and ensure the safe administration of compatible blood transfusions.