Frequencies of DEA blood types in a purebred canine blood donor population in Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil

Prevalence of AO blood group and level of agreement for AO blood-typing methods in pet pigs from Louisiana

OBJECTIVES

Pet pigs are a species of growing medical interest, and evidence-based practices for blood transfusions are needed. The objectives of this study were to quantify the prevalence of 3 blood group (Bg) phenotypes ("A" and "Aweak " resulting from EAAAA and EAAAO , "0" from EAA00 , or "-" from EAA00 or SSS alleles) in pet pigs and compare results using a human blood-typing card (EldonCard), standard saline agglutination (SSA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

University veterinary teaching hospital.

ANIMALS

Ninety-seven pet pigs from Louisiana.

INTERVENTIONS

Blood was sampled from randomly selected pet pigs of various breeds, anticoagulated with EDTA, and typed using each investigated test according to the manufacturers' directions or standard laboratory technique. Samples for PCR analysis were stored at -80°C until analysis. Phenotypes were screened via EldonCard. Association between Bg and sex was investigated using chi-square test, with significance at P < 0.05. Kappa (κ) statistic was used to measure the level of agreement between the 3 tests.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Pot-bellied pigs represented the majority (84.5%) of this population, with 52 (53.6%) males and 45 (46.4%) females. Genotypic frequencies were 30%, 30%, and 40% for "EAAAA ," "EAAAO ," and "EAA00 ," respectively. Based on EldonCard, 38 phenotypes were classified as "A," 5 as "Aweak ," and 54 as "0" or "-." Results were identical for Bg, with the 3 tested techniques in 90% (45/50) of samples. Agreement between EldonCard and PCR was almost perfect (49/50 [98%], κ = 0.959; P < 0.001). Agreement between SSA and PCR, and EldonCard and SSA was substantial (46/50 [92%], κ = 0.803, P < 0.001 and 93/97 [95.9%], κ = 0.764, P < 0.001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common blood type was "0" or "-" (55.7%), followed by "A" (39.2%) and "Aweak " (5.1%). There was strong agreement between EldonCard and PCR testing. EldonCard allowed for rapid and reliable phenotype identification ("A," "Aweak ," and "0" or "-") and represents a clinically applicable laboratory method for blood typing in pet pigs.

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.

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.

Activity, specificity, and titer of naturally occurring canine anti–DEA 7 antibodies

The reported prevalence of naturally occurring anti–dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 7 antibodies in DEA 7–negative dogs is as high as 50%. Characterization of these antibodies may better define their importance in canine transfusion medicine. We determined in vitro activity, specificity, and titer of anti–DEA 7 antibodies in DEA 7–negative dogs. Plasma samples from 317 DEA 7–negative dogs were cross-matched with DEA 7–positive red blood cells (RBCs) using gel column technology. Agglutination occurred with DEA 7–positive RBCs but not with DEA 7–negative RBCs in 73 samples (23%), which were hence classified as containing anti–DEA 7 antibodies. These samples were evaluated for hemolytic and agglutinating activity, strength of agglutination, and antibody specificity and titers. All samples showed agglutination but none showed hemolysis. Gel agglutination was graded as 1+ for 20 samples (27%), 2+ for 49 samples (67%), 3+ for 4 samples (6%); no samples were graded 4+. The agglutination titer was <1:2 for 51 samples (73%), 1:2 for 13 samples (19%), 1:4 for 4 samples (5%), and 1:8 for 2 samples (3%). Of 16 samples treated with 2-mercaptoethanol, 11 samples (69%) contained only IgM, 4 samples (25%) exhibited only IgG activity, and 1 sample (6%) had both IgG and IgM activity. Low titers of warm, weakly agglutinating, mostly naturally occurring IgM anti–DEA 7 antibodies were found in 23% of DEA 7–negative dogs. The presence of naturally occurring anti–DEA 7 antibodies suggests that cross-matching of canine blood recipients is advisable, even at first transfusion, to minimize delayed transfusion reactions.

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.

Prevalence of dog erythrocyte antigens 1, 4, and 7 in galgos (Spanish Greyhounds)

Galgos (Spanish Greyhounds), in common with other sighthounds, have higher hematocrits, hemoglobin concentrations, and red blood cell counts than other breeds. In addition to these hematological characteristics, the physical characteristics of these dogs (medium to large dogs with an easily accessible jugular vein and a good temperament) make galgos ideal blood donors. However, to date, there are only published reports concerning dog erythrocyte antigen (DEA) 1 in this breed. Information on DEAs 4 and 7 would be useful when recruiting blood donors to donation programs, as DEA 1 and 7-negative and DEA 4-positive dogs can be considered universal donors. Ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid-anticoagulated jugular blood samples were collected from 205 galgos. Dogs were aged between 1 and 10 years, 102 were female (49.8%) and 103 male (50.2%), and all were living in South Madrid, Spain. All 205 blood samples were tested for DEA 1 by card agglutination, and 150 of these samples were tested for DEA 4 and DEA 7 by gel column agglutination using polyclonal anti-DEA antibodies. Of the 205 galgos blood samples typed, 112 out of 205 (54.6%) were positive for DEA 1. Of the 150 blood samples tested, all (150/150, 100%) were positive for DEA 4, and 12 out of 150 (8%) samples tested positive for DEA 7. Of these samples, 70 out of 150 (46.7%) were positive only for DEA 4. There was no relationship between blood types and sex. In addition to the hematological characteristics previously reported and the physical characteristics of these dogs, the relative prevalence of blood types DEA 1, 4, and 7 make galgos good candidates for blood donation in blood donor programs.