Frequency of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 expression in dogs from Portugal

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1 in a population of dogs tested in California

BACKGROUND

Multiple studies have evaluated the breed-specific prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 in various geographic regions. However, few large-scale studies exist that describe breed prevalence of DEA 1 in the United States.

KEY FINDINGS

From January 2000 to October 2020, 6469 dogs had their RBC antigen type determined and were included in the study. The overall prevalence of DEA 1 in all dogs was 61.2%. Of 50 breeds with sample sizes ≥20, 8 breeds had a high prevalence (≥90%) of DEA 1-positive blood type: Basset Hound, Bernese Mountain Dog, Brittany, Dachshund, Miniature Pinscher, Miniature Schnauzer, Pug, and Rottweiler. Four breeds had a high prevalence (≥90%) of DEA 1-negative blood type: Boxer, English Bulldog, Flat-Coated Retriever, and French Bulldog. Numerous breeds with a sample size <20 and ≥5 were found to have 100% prevalence of a DEA 1 blood type, although these findings need to be confirmed with a larger sample size. No statistical difference in any breed based on sex was found. The results in this study are consistent with previously reported data in other countries.

SIGNIFICANCE

Knowledge of regional breed differences in DEA 1 prevalence can help to improve selection and recruitment of appropriate blood donor dogs.

Canine Blood Group Prevalence and Geographical Distribution around the World: An Updated Systematic Review

In recent years, blood transfusions have been more commonly given to pets. The importance of determining blood groups in dogs and cats is, therefore, well-known for reducing the risk of adverse reactions in the recipient blood caused by a "non-compatible" donor. This systematic review summarizes data from previously published reports and follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines for systematic reviews. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, we identified 41 eligible studies using different states and blood-typing methods to determine blood groups in dogs. The dog blood groups that were identified between 1999 and 2020 in 17 different countries were combined to yield the DEA (Dog Erythrocyte Antigen), Kai, and Dal groups. These studies were conducted in Europe, America, Africa, and Asia but not in all the countries of these continents. The methods used to determine blood types have also changed over the years. This systematic review highlights gaps in the literature and should advance future studies synthesizing data with methodological rigor.

The dog erythrocyte antigen 1 blood group in nondomesticated canids and compatibility testing between domestic dog and nondomesticated canid blood

Background

The dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 blood group is considered as the most immunogenic and clinically important in dogs. Little is known in nondomesticated canids.

Objectives

To type DEA 1 in nondomesticated captive canids and to evaluate potential interspecific blood transfusions between domestic and nondomestic canids.

Animals

One hundred forty captive nondomesticated canids belonging to 13 species from 19 French zoos, and 63 domestic dogs.

Methods

Prospective study. Blood samples were typed for DEA 1 using immunochromatographic and flow cytometric techniques. A neutral gel column test was used for crossmatching.

Results

Of 140 nondomesticated canids, 72.9% were DEA 1+ and 27.1% were DEA 1− using immunochromatographic technique and 74.3% were DEA 1+ and 25.7% were DEA 1− by flow cytometric technique.

Crossmatch (XM) between 140 nondomesticated canid red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma from a previously DEA 1+ sensitized DEA 1− dog revealed 112 incompatibilities (80%). Crossmatches between 130 nondomesticated canid serum and 1 or up to 8 donor dogs' RBCs revealed 99 of 130 (76%) compatibilities. Crossmatches between 115 nondomesticated canid RBCs and donor dogs' serum revealed 59 of 115 (51%) compatibilities.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Dog erythrocyte antigen 1 blood type is present in nondomesticated canids with variable prevalence depending on species. The majority of tested nondomesticated canids appear to have no naturally occurring alloantibodies against domestic dogs' RBCs. Therefore xenotransfusion of blood from domestic dogs can be considered when species specific blood is not available. Cross matching is essential before xenotransfusion.

Survey of Blood Groups DEA 1, DEA 4, DEA 5, Dal, and Kai 1/Kai 2 in Different Canine Breeds From a Diagnostic Laboratory in Germany

More than twelve blood group systems have been described in dogs, but little is known about their distribution frequencies within breed populations. Here, we report on an extensive typing survey carried out using available reagents and either established or new clinical kits in purebred dogs from Germany. Leftover anticoagulated blood samples were examined using an immunochromatographic strip method for DEA 1, a gel column technique for Dal and Kai 1/2, and new card agglutination tests for DEA 4 and DEA 5 (which were partially compared with the gel column technique). Monoclonal antibodies were used for DEA 1 and Kai 1/2 typing, and polyclonal antibodies were used for all other types. Among the 206 dogs, 59.2% were DEA 1+, 100% DEA 4+, 9% (Card)/11% (Gel) DEA 5+, 89.3% Dal+, 96.6% Kai 1+, and 2.9% Kai 2+. None of the dogs were Kai 1+/2+, and only one was Kai 1-/2-. Dal- dogs were found in several breeds. Erythrocytes from most DEA 1+ dogs bound strongly on the strips. The agglutination reactions for DEA 5 on the new card tests were generally less than those on the gel column. The blood group pattern DEA 4+, DEA 5-, Dal+, Kai 1+/2- and either DEA 1+ or DEA 1- was found among 80% of the dogs. In this first extensive blood typing survey of purebred dogs from Europe, the proportions of positive and negative blood types were similar to those found in the United States and, for DEA 1, were also similar to those from other European countries, with considerable breed variation in blood types. The newer typing techniques seem to work well and will likely be useful for detecting and preventing specific blood type incompatibilities in the clinic.

Frequency of DEA 1 antigen in 1037 mongrel and PUREBREED dogs in ITALY

Background

The prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA 1) in canine population is approximately 40–60%. Often data are limited to a small number of breeds and/or dogs. The aims of this study were to evaluate frequency of DEA 1 in a large population of purebred and mongrel dogs including Italian native breeds and to recognize a possible association between DEA 1 and breed, sex, and genetic and phenotypical/functional classifications of breeds. Frequencies of DEA 1 blood group collected from screened/enrolled blood donors and from healthy and sick dogs were retrospectively evaluated. The breed and the sex were recorded when available. DEA 1 blood typing was assessed by immunocromatographic test on K3EDTA blood samples. The prevalence of DEA 1 antigen was statistically related to breed, gender, Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and genotypic grouping.

Results

Sixty-two per cent dogs resulted DEA 1+ and 38% DEA 1-. DEA 1- was statistically associated with Dogo Argentino, Dobermann, German Shepherd, Boxer, Corso dogs, the molossian dogs, the FCI group 1, 2 and 3 and the genetic groups “working dogs” and “mastiff”. DEA 1+ was statistically associated with Rottweiler, Briquet Griffon Vendéen, Bernese mountain dog, Golden Retriever, the hunting breeds, the FCI group 4, 6, 7 and 8 and the genetic groups “scent hounds” and “retrievers”. No gender association was observed.

Conclusions

Data obtained by this work may be clinically useful to drive blood donor enrollment and selection among different breeds.

Prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 1 in 7,414 Dogs in Italy

The study aim was to establish the prevalence of DEA 1, the most immunogenic and clinically important blood group in canine blood transfusion, in 7,414 dogs from Italy. The potential sensitization risk following a first transfusion and the acute reaction risk following a second transfusion given without a cross-matching and blood typing test were also calculated. Dogs tested were purebred (4,798) and mongrel (2,616); 38.8% were DEA 1 negative and 61.2% were DEA 1 positive. High prevalence for DEA 1 positive blood type was found in Ariegeois and English Setter, whereas German Shepherd and Boxer had higher DEA 1 negative blood type. Breeds with blood type never reported before included French Brittany Spaniel and Pug showing a high prevalence of DEA 1 positive type, while French Bulldog and West Highland White Terrier were more often DEA 1 negative. Just 48.8% of purebred and 13.9% of mongrel dogs were considered as prospective blood donors based upon their blood type. Most of the breeds had a sensitization risk of 20.0–25.0%. Rottweiler and Ariegeois had less risk of sensitization (9.4 and 4.2%) and the minor risk of an acute transfusional reaction (0.9–0.2%). The prevalence of DEA 1 positive and negative dogs in Italy agrees with most of the data already reported in the literature.

A study on the prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigen 1.1 and detection of canine Babesia by polymerase chain reaction from apparently healthy dogs in a selected rural community in Zimbabwe

A study was carried out to determine the prevalence of blood group antigen dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1.1 in mixed breed dogs in rural Chinamhora, Zimbabwe. DEA 1.1 is clinically the most important canine blood group as it is the most antigenic blood type; hence, DEA 1.1 antibodies are capable of causing acute haemolytic, potentially life-threatening transfusion reactions. In this study, blood samples were collected from 100 dogs in Chinamhora, and blood typing was carried out using standardised DEA 1.1 typing strips with monoclonal anti-DEA 1.1 antibodies (Alvedia® LAB DEA 1.1 test kits). Polymerase chain reaction for detecting Babesia spp. antigen was carried out on 58 of the samples. Of the 100 dogs, 78% were DEA 1.1 positive and 22% were DEA 1.1 negative. A significantly (p = 0.02) higher proportion of females (90.5%) were DEA 1.1 positive than males (69.0%). The probability of sensitisation of recipient dogs following first-time transfusion of untyped or unmatched blood was 17.2%, and an approximately 3% (2.95%) probability of an acute haemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion was found. Babesia spp. antigen was found in 6.9% of the samples. No significant relationship (χ2 = 0.56, p = 0.45) was found between DEA 1.1 positivity and Babesia spp. antigen presence. Despite a low probability of haemolysis after a second incompatibility transfusion, the risk remains present and should not be ignored. Hence, where possible, blood typing for DEA 1.1 is recommended. A survey of DEA 3, 4, 5 and 7 in various breeds is also recommended.

Prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens 1, 4, and 7 in Podenco Ibicenco (Ibizan Hounds) from Ibiza Island

The aims of this study were to evaluate the prevalence of Dog Erythrocyte Antigens (DEA) 1, 4, and 7 in Ibizan hounds, to compare the results with the prevalence of DEA in Spanish greyhounds, and to determine the risk of sensitization following the first transfusion of blood not typed for DEA 1 and the probability of an acute hemolytic reaction following a second incompatible transfusion using untyped DEA 1 blood. DEA 1, 4, and 7 status was determined in 92 Ibizan hounds. Results were compared with the previously reported prevalence in Spanish greyhounds. The risks of sensitization and of a hemolytic transfusion reaction were determined amongst Ibizan hounds and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds. The prevalence of DEA 1, 4, and 7 was 75%, 98.9%, and 25%, respectively. There was a significantly higher expression of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in Spanish greyhounds. The probability of sensitization of a recipient dog to DEA 1 with transfusions amongst Ibizan hounds was 18.5% and between Ibizan hounds and Spanish greyhounds was 13.7%. The probability of an acute hemolytic reaction in each group was 3.5% and 1.9%, respectively. There is a higher prevalence of DEA 1 and 7 in Ibizan hounds than in other sighthounds.

Canine and feline blood transfusions: controversies and recent advances in administration practices

OBJECTIVES

To discuss and review blood transfusion practices in dogs and cats including collection and storage of blood and administration of products. To report new developments, controversial practices, less conventional blood product administration techniques and where applicable, describe the relevance to anaesthetists and anaesthesia.

DATABASES USED

PubMed and Google Scholar using dog, cat, blood transfusion, packed red blood cells and whole blood as keywords.

CONCLUSIONS

Blood transfusions improve oxygen carrying capacity and the clinical signs of anaemia. However there are numerous potential risks and complications possible with transfusions, which may outweigh their benefits. Storage of blood products has improved considerably over time but whilst extended storage times may improve their availability, a phenomenon known as the storage lesion has been identified which affects erythrocyte viability and survival. Leukoreduction involves removing leukocytes and platelets thereby preventing their release of cytokines and bioactive compounds which also contribute to storage lesions and certain transfusion reactions. Newer transfusion techniques are being explored such as cell salvage in surgical patients and subsequent autologous transfusion. Xenotransfusions, using blood and blood products between different species, provide an alternative to conventional blood products.