Miltenberger blood group typing by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) melting curve analysis in Thai population

Abstract

© 2016 British Blood Transfusion Society. SUMMARY: Objectives: To develop reliable and convenient methods for Miltenberger (Mia) blood group typing. Aim: To apply real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) melting curve analysis to Mia blood group typing. Background: The Mia blood group is the collective set of glycophorin hybrids in the MNS blood group system. Mi(a+) blood is common among East Asians and is also found in the Thai population. Incompatible Mia blood transfusions pose the risk of life-threatening haemolysis; therefore, Mia blood group typing is necessary in ethnicities where the Mia blood group is prevalent. Methods/Materials: One hundred and forty-three blood samples from Thai blood donors were used in the study. The samples included 50 Mi(a+) samples and 93 Mi(a-) samples, which were defined by serology. The samples were typed by Mia typing qPCR, and 50 Mi(a+) samples were sequenced to identify the Mia subtypes. Mia subtyping qPCR was performed to define GP.Mur. Both Mia typing and Mia subtyping were tested on a conventional PCR platform. Results: The results of Mia typing qPCR were all concordant with serology. Sequencing of the 50 Mi(a+) samples revealed 47 GP.Mur samples and 3 GP.Hop or Bun samples. Mia subtyping qPCR was the supplementary test used to further define GP.Mur from other Mia subtypes. Both Mia typing and Mia subtyping performed well using a conventional PCR platform. Conclusion: Mia typing qPCR correctly identified Mia blood groups in a Thai population with the feasibility of Mia subtype discrimination, and Mia subtyping qPCR was able to further define GP.Mur from other Mia subtypes.