Frequencies of blood type A, B and AB in non-pedigree domestic cats in Turkey

Wild Felids Blood Group System

Wild felids and domestic cats share the AB blood group. However, there have been few studies regarding the characterization and prevalence of the different blood types in wild animals. The erythrocyte membrane glycolipids of the wild cats correspond to the major disialoganglioside patterns observed in domestic cats. Like in domestic cats, type A blood seems to be the most common, although wild felid species seem to exhibit one single blood type. Of the species studied, the wild domestic cats, and the Panthera and ocelot lineages, all had type A blood; the Puma lineage showed almost exclusively type B blood. The prevalence of wild felids blood types show that there seems to be variation between species, but not within species, and no evidence of geographical variation has yet been found, showing apparently no genetic variability. The presence of alloantibodies has also been demonstrated, so the risk of life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis is a possibility. Like in other species, the recognition of wild felids blood groups is clinically relevant, as it can also be important in establishing phylogenetic relationships within the Felidae family. We will review the current knowledge on this topic and give insights into the wild felids blood groups potential for zoo transfusion medicine and phylogenetic studies in order to help support reintroduction projects and to preserve genetic diversity.

Feline Blood Groups: A Systematic Review of Phylogenetic and Geographical Origin

Simple Summary

Numerous breeds have been identified in the domestic cat, grouped according to their phylogenetic or geographical origin. In the cat, the AB blood group system is the most important feline system, and the determination of the blood group by specific methods is an essential step to avoid or reduce the risk of an adverse reaction in the recipient patient. Many studies have been published on the distribution and prevalence of blood types in pedigree and non-pedigree cats, but the information has never been collated in a systematic manner.

Abstract

Domestic cats descended from the African wildcat several thousand years ago. Cats have spread to all parts of the world, probably along routes between civilizations or geographical boundaries, leading to the movement of species, from Asia to the African continent through the Mediterranean basin, and finally to the American continent, Australia, and New Zealand. Currently, 73 cat breeds are recognized by the International Cat Association. With the increasing interest in the selection of breeds, the determination of blood groups in cats has acquired importance over time. The AB blood group system is the most important blood system in cats, in which A, B, and AB or C blood groups are identified. This systematic review describes data from previously published reports about cat blood types and cat breeds. After applying specific criteria, 28 eligible studies were identified in which the prevalence percentages for each blood group in correlation with specific cat breeds were reported. The breeds were, in turn, divided into four groups according to their geographic and phylogenetic origins as follows: Asian cat breeds, American cat breeds, European cat breeds, and breeds from Oceania. Although numerous studies were carried out before 2021, gaps in the literature on the AB system and, in particular, the Mik group are highlighted.

Molecular characterization of cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene and frequency of blood types in stray cats of İzmir, Turkey

Background

Cytidine monophospho-n-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH) gene associated with blood groups in cats encodes CMAH enzyme that converts Neu5Ac to Neu5Gc. Although variations in CMAH gene of pedigree cats have been revealed, the presence/lack of them in non-pedigree stray cats is unknown. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the variations in CMAH gene and the quantity of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc on erythrocytes of non-pedigree stray cats (n:12) living in İzmir, Turkey. Also, the frequency of blood types was determined in 76 stray cats including 12 cats that were used for CMAH and Neu5A/Neu5Gc analysis.

Results

In total, 14 SNPs were detected in 5’UTR as well as in exon 2, 4, 9, 10, 11 and 12 of CMAH gene. Among these SNPs, -495 C > T in 5’UTR was detected for the first time as heterozygous in type A and AB cats, and homozygous and heterozygous in type B cats. The remaining 13 that have been detected in previous studies were also found as homozygous or heterozygous. Both Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac were detected in type A and AB cats. In type B cats, only Neu5Ac was detected. Among two type AB cats, the level of Neu5Ac was found higher in cat carrying heterozygous form (T/C) of 1392T > C. The prevalence of type B cats (67.1 %) was higher than others.

Conclusions

The presence of a new SNP as well as previous SNPs indicates that more variations can be found in stray cats with a more comprehensive study in the future. Also, the high prevalence of type B cats demonstrates the possible risk of neonatal isoerythrolysis among stray cats living in İzmir, Turkey.

Identification of 5 novel feline erythrocyte antigens based on the presence of naturally occurring alloantibodies

Background

Since the discovery of the Mik antigen, several studies have described blood incompatibilities unrelated to the AB system in cats.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of cats with non‐AB incompatibilities associated with naturally occurring alloantibodies (NOAb), and to begin mapping the corresponding feline erythrocyte antigens (FEA).

Animals

Two hundred and fifty‐eight type A cats.

Methods

Prospectively, cats were evaluated for the presence of NOAb by crossmatching in groups of 4‐6 cats. When NOAb were detected in a cat, its plasma was used as reagent to assess for the presence of the corresponding FEA in all cats included thereafter, and agreement observed between results of this extensive blood typing was evaluated.

Results

The chance of detecting incompatibilities by randomly crossmatching 2 cats was 3.9%, which resulted in at least 7% of type A cats having NOAb. Blood typing and agreement analyses performed with 7 newly detected NOAb allowed the identification of 5 presumably distinct FEA. Feline erythrocyte antigens 1 and 5 were most frequent with prevalence of 84% and 96%, respectively. Only FEA 1‐negative status was associated with a higher risk of presenting NOAb; with 16.7% of 42 FEA 1‐negative cats having NOAb compared to 5.1% of 216 FEA 1‐positive cats.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

This study represents a first step of FEA identification outside the AB system. Because of its prevalence and association with NOAb, FEA 1 might correspond to the Mik antigen.

Frequency of Blood Types A, B and AB in a Population of Non-Pedigree Domestic Cats from Central Italy

Simple Summary

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy. The presence of natural alloantibodies in the feline blood group system can cause life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusion and, depending on the parents’ blood type, can also account for hemolytic reactions in newborn kittens. Based on the frequency of the AB blood groups found in the 483 cats studied, a potential risk (6.5%) of acute hemolytic transfusion or neonatal reactions was calculated. Therefore, determining the blood group in non-pedigree domestic cats from Central Italy before transfusion is strongly recommended, as has been reported for other geographical areas. Moreover, particular attention should be paid to the mating of non-purebred cats.

Abstract

Blood transfusion reactions and neonatal isoerythrolysis are common events in the feline population due to the presence of natural alloantibodies in the AB blood group system. It is known that the frequency of feline blood types varies according to the geographic region and breed. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate the frequency of AB blood groups in non-pedigree domestic cats in Central Italy and estimate the risk of a life-threatening transfusion reaction and neonatal isoerythrolysis, caused by mismatched transfusion or incompatible random mating, respectively. The AB blood group was determined on non-pedigree domestic feline patients and potential blood donors submitted at the Veterinary Teaching Hospitals of the Universities of Teramo (Abruzzo Region, Teramo, Italy) and Perugia (Umbria Region, Teramo, Italy), and visited at veterinary practitioners in Rome (Lazio Region, Teramo, Italy) using commercial immunochromatographic cartridges and commercial agglutination cards. There were four hundred and eighty-three cats included in the study. The frequencies of the blood types were: 89.9% type A, 7.0% type B, and 3.1% type AB. The probability of an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction or a neonatal isoerythrolysis was 6.5%. Although the frequency of type B in non-pedigree domestic cats living in Central Italy was relatively low, to reduce the risk of fatal transfusion reactions, blood group typing is recommended before each transfusion.

Prevalence of Blood Types and Alloantibodies of the AB Blood Group System in Non-Pedigree Cats from Northern (Lombardy) and Southern (Sicily) Italy

Simple Summary

The most important blood group system in cats is the AB, in which cats are classified as type-A, B or AB. Cats have antibodies against the blood type they do not possess, called alloantibodies. The aims of this study were to update blood type prevalence in cats from Northern Italy and study for the first time the blood type in cats from an insular region of Southern Italy, Sicily; to detect alloantibodies in these feline populations; to compare results with previous studies performed in Italy and between regions in Northern and Southern Italy. Cats from Southern Italy had the highest prevalence of type-B and type-AB, and the lowest prevalence of type-A blood in Italy. In particular, type-AB prevalence was higher than all previous reports in non-pedigree cats in Europe and the Italian prevalence of anti-type-B alloantibodies in type-A cats was the lowest reported worldwide. These results highlight the usefulness of regional studies to report different prevalences in feline blood types. Compatibility tests such as blood typing and cross matching must be considered fundamental in cats of any origin to ensure safe and efficient blood transfusion and to prevent neonatal isoerythrolysis.

Abstract

The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of A, B and AB blood types and alloantibodies in non-pedigree cats from two regions, one in Northern and one in Southern Italy (Lombardy and Sicily, respectively). A total of 448 samples (52.0% from Northern and 48.0% from Southern Italy) were blood typed. The prevalence of A, B and AB blood types in northern and southern cats were 91.0%, 5.2%, 3.8%, and 77.2%, 12.1% and 10.7%, respectively. The prevalence of type-A blood in southern cats was significantly lower (p = 0.0001) than in northern cats, while type-B and AB blood were significantly higher (p = 0.0085 and p = 0.0051, respectively) in Southern compared to Northern Italian cats. Alloantibodies against type-A blood were found in 94.1% of type-B cats, 11.2% of type-A cats had alloantibodies against type-B blood, while no type-AB cats had alloantibodies with no significant difference between the two Italian populations. Type-AB prevalence in non-pedigree cats in Southern Italy was the highest reported in Europe. Italian type-A cats had the lowest worldwide prevalence of alloantibodies against type-B blood. These results highlight the usefulness of regional studies to report different prevalences in feline blood types and reinforce the importance of blood typing cats before transfusions and mating.

Assessment of risks of feline mismatched transfusion and neonatal isoerythrolysis in the Lyon (France) area

Objectives

The aims of this study were to update the prevalence of different feline blood types in the Lyon (France) area, as well as to determine the risk of mismatched transfusion (MT) and neonatal isoerythrolysis (NI) in kittens with parents of unknown blood type.

Methods

Blood samples were obtained from blood donor cats and cats admitted to an intensive care unit in Lyon. AB blood typing was performed using an immunochromatographic strip. The risk of MT was estimated by adding the risk of a major transfusion reaction and the risk of a minor transfusion reaction. The risk of NI was estimated according the equation (p²)(q²) + 2pq(q²), with q being the b allele frequency and p = 1 - q. The results were analysed by absolute and relative frequency analysis and multivariate analysis.

Results

The cohort study population included 320 non-pedigree cats and 37 pedigree cats. The prevalence of blood types A, B and AB was 84.3%, 14.0% and 1.7%, respectively. Considering non-pedigree cats, the prevalence of types A, B and AB was 83.7%, 14.4% and 1.9%, respectively. There were no significant differences of blood type distribution by sex (P = 0.73) or by breed (P = 0.90). Based on these percentages, the risks of MT and NI in non-pedigree cats were 24.3% and 12.3%, respectively.

Conclusions and relevance

The prevalence of type B cats is high in the Lyon area and associated with high risks of MT and NI. These results confirm the importance of performing blood typing prior to any blood transfusion or mating.

FREQUÊNCIAS DOS TIPOS SANGUÍNEOS E TÍTULOS DOS ALOANTICORPOS EM FELINOS DOMÉSTICOS

Resumo A área da hemoterapia necessita de testes de compatibilidade sanguínea confiáveis, como a tipagem sanguínea, para se evitarem possíveis reações transfusionais, mas em felinos é também importante para se evitar a isoeritrólise neonatal. Transfusões sanguíneas realizadas entre felinos doadores e receptores que não possuem compatibilidade sanguínea podem refletir em reação transfusional aguda, particularmente severa quando o sangue tipo A é transfundido em um gato tipo B, pois geralmente este último possui altos níveis de aloanticorpos de ocorrência natural. Portanto, o conhecimento da frequência dos tipos sanguíneos da população de gatos de uma região pode auxiliar na determinação dos riscos de reações transfusionais e de ocorrência de isoeritrólise neonatal. Tais riscos podem ser prevenidos com a tipagem sanguínea em casos de transfusão. Foram coletadas 100 amostras sanguíneas de felinos para a realização da tipagem sanguínea com plasmas reagentes anti-A e anti-B conhecidas e titulações de aloanticorpos anti-A e anti-B dos plasmas armazenados. A distribuição das frequências dos grupos sanguíneos foi 96% de felinos com tipo sanguíneo A e 4% de felinos com tipo sanguíneo B, não sendo encontrado na amostra populacional de felino tipo AB. Há um grande risco de reação adversa através da transfusão sanguínea randomizada entre felinos não tipados previamente.

A Novel Variant in CMAH Is Associated with Blood Type AB in Ragdoll Cats

The enzyme cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase is associated with the production of sialic acids on cat red blood cells. The cat has one major blood group with three serotypes; the most common blood type A being dominant to type B. A third rare blood type is known as AB and has an unclear mode of inheritance. Cat blood type antigens are defined, with N-glycolylneuraminic acid being associated with type A and N-acetylneuraminic acid with type B. Blood type AB is serologically characterized by agglutination using typing reagents directed against both A and B epitopes. While a genetic characterization of blood type B has been achieved, the rare type AB serotype remains genetically uncharacterized. A genome-wide association study in Ragdoll cats (22 cases and 15 controls) detected a significant association between blood type AB and SNPs on cat chromosome B2, with the most highly associated SNP being at position 4,487,432 near the candidate gene cytidine monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase. A novel variant, c.364C>T, was identified that is highly associated with blood type AB in Ragdoll cats and, to a lesser degree, with type AB in random bred cats. The newly identified variant is probably linked with blood type AB in Ragdoll cats, and is associated with the expression of both antigens (N-glycolylneuraminic acid and N-acetylneuraminic acid) on the red blood cell membrane. Other variants, not identified by this work, are likely to be associated with blood type AB in other breeds of cat.

Frequencies of blood types A, B, and AB in non-pedigree domestic cats in Beijing

BACKGROUND

Frequencies of blood types A, B, and AB in domestic cats vary geographically and among breeds and have not been reported in China.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to survey the frequency of blood types in domestic cats in the Beijing area.

METHODS

A total of 262 cats from the city of Beijing were blood-typed using a standard tube agglutination assay. All cats were nonpedigree domestic shorthaired and longhaired cats; purebred cats were excluded. Serum obtained from type-B cats and a lectin (Triticum vulgaris) solution served as anti-A and anti-B reagents, respectively. The presence of alloantibodies was also determined in some cats.

RESULTS

The frequency of blood types was 88.2% type A, 11.4% type B, and 0.4% type AB. The tube assay resulted in 3+ to 4+ agglutination reactions with either the anti-A or anti-B reagents. The 1 type AB sample showed 3+ agglutination with both anti-A and anti-B reagents; the plasma of that sample did not react with either type-A or type-B RBCs. Tested type-B cats had strong anti-A antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

The frequency of blood type B in the Beijing area was relatively high and similar to that reported for other Asian countries and Australia. Blood-typing is recommended to match donors and recipients before transfusion therapy and planned matings to avoid hemolytic transfusion and neonatal isoerythrolysis reactions, respectively, due to blood-type incompatibility.

Comparison of gel column agglutination with monoclonal antibodies and card agglutination methods for assessing the feline AB group system and a frequency study of feline blood types in northern Italy

BACKGROUND

A new commercial gel column agglutination system is reported to have high sensitivity in detecting cats with blood type AB.

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were to compare gel column agglutination and card agglutination methods for feline blood-typing and to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy.

METHODS

Blood-typing was performed on 120 cats using both a commercial gel column containing monoclonal antibodies (ID Gel-Test Micro Typing System) and a card agglutination method (RapidVet-H Feline). Results were confirmed with back-typing. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were calculated for the 2 methods. A second group of 140 Domestic Shorthair (DSH) cats was blood-typed using the gel column technique to determine the frequency distribution of feline blood types in northern Italy.

RESULTS

The card agglutination method demonstrated poor sensitivity in identification of type-AB cats (61%) and was only 95% specific when identifying type-B cats. The gel column agglutination technique demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity for typing all 3 blood types (A, B, and AB). The frequency distribution study of 140 cats demonstrated that 127 (90.7%) cats were type A, 10 (7.1%) were type B, and 3 (2.1%) were type AB.

CONCLUSION

When blood-typing cats of breeds with a relatively high frequency of blood types B and AB, methods that use monoclonal antibodies for detection of blood types B and AB are recommended. Alternatively, blood type can be confirmed by more sensitive supplemental testing, such as back-typing. The high frequency of blood type A in DSH cats in northern Italy was comparable to previously reported frequencies in Italy and world-wide.

Feline blood transfusions: A pinker shade of pale

PRACTICAL RELEVANCE

blood transfusions are a potentially life-saving procedure that are within the reach of most small animal practitioners. Only minimal equipment is required.

PATIENT GROUP

any cat with clinical signs attributable to a reduced red blood cell mass that is affecting oxygen transport (as a result of reduced packed cell volume or acute blood loss) is a potential candidate for a transfusion.

CLINICAL CHALLENGES

although the principles of transfusion medicine are not complicated, there can be fatal consequences if certain steps are omitted.

DIAGNOSTICS

blood typing kits and blood filters are readily available from veterinary wholesalers, laboratories and blood banking services.

EVIDENCE BASE

over the past three decades, a substantial body of clinical research and reports has built up covering feline blood types and transfusion medicine. This article draws on that research to provide clinical guidance aimed at all veterinarians in feline or small animal practice who either currently practise transfusion medicine or plan to do so.

Feline neonatal isoerythrolysis and the importance of feline blood types

Although feline neonatal isoerythrolysis is rare, associated mortality rate is high. It results from mating of type B blood queens with type A or AB blood toms. A comprehensive review on feline blood types and feline neonatal isoerythrolysis physiopathology, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention is covered.

Blood types in Bengal cats in the UK

Blood samples from 100 adult Bengal cats from the UK were submitted for assessment of blood type using RapidVet-H Feline blood typing cards (dms Laboratories), with further assessment by standard blood typing in a microtitre plate assay when card typing was inconclusive or revealed blood type B or AB. Ninety-eight cats were found to be type A when assessed using the blood typing cards. One cat initially tested as type AB but was found to be type A on testing a second blood sample using the blood typing cards. One cat initially tested as type B but was found to be type A when a second sample was tested by standard blood typing assay. Finding that 100% of the cats were blood type A is in contrast with previous studies that reported 10 Bengal cats to be type A, four to be type AB and one to be type B.

Frequencies of feline blood types at a referral hospital in the south east of England

OBJECTIVES

To determine the prevalence of blood types in the feline patients and blood donors of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals (The Royal Veterinary College, London, UK), that were typed between 2000 and 2004.

METHODS

A retrospective study was performed using files of patients and blood donors of the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals seen between January 2000 and November 2004. Commercial blood typing cards were used to determine the blood type.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty-six cats were included in the study; 51 (32.7 per cent) were pedigree and 105 (67.3 per cent) non-pedigree. Of the 51 pedigree cats, the prevalence of blood types was as follows: type A, 42 (82.4 per cent); type B, seven (13.7 per cent) and type AB, two (3.9 per cent). Of the 105 non-pedigree cats, the prevalence of blood types was as follows: type A, 71 (67.6 per cent); type B 32 (30.5 per cent) and type AB two (1.9 per cent).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The prevalence of type B blood in non-pedigree cats is higher than previously suggested and shows high variability within the UK; because of this, blood typing all feline patients, not only the ones of a breed typically known to have higher prevalence of type B blood before transfusion, is absolutely necessary to avoid a fatal transfusion reaction.