The ABO blood group is determined by the presence of A
and B anti-gens on the surface of the red blood cells and of anti- A or anti- B
antibodies in the serum. Thus the red blood cells of blood type A possess
antigen A and the serum containing anti- B antibody. Similarly, blood type B
has antigen B and antigen A antibody. Blood type AB contains both A and B
antigens but no antibodies. Blood type O has no antigens but contains both
Anti- A and anti- B antibodies are usually IgM type and not present newborns
but appear in the first year of life. It is possible that the antibodies are
provided against food and environmental antigens (bacteria, viral or plant
antigens) which are similar in structure to A and B antigens (Aspinail and Monteiro,
2006).
and B anti-gens on the surface of the red blood cells and of anti- A or anti- B
antibodies in the serum. Thus the red blood cells of blood type A possess
antigen A and the serum containing anti- B antibody. Similarly, blood type B
has antigen B and antigen A antibody. Blood type AB contains both A and B
antigens but no antibodies. Blood type O has no antigens but contains both
Anti- A and anti- B antibodies are usually IgM type and not present newborns
but appear in the first year of life. It is possible that the antibodies are
provided against food and environmental antigens (bacteria, viral or plant
antigens) which are similar in structure to A and B antigens (Aspinail and Monteiro,
2006).
