When choosing a partner, we often worry about their genotype, and other terminal or transmissible diseases; we even go for various test to assert this before marital commitment but very few of us even consider our rhesus factor.
What is Rhesus factor?
Rhesus factor or Rh factor is a type of protein (Antigen) found on the surface of Red Blood Cells. An antigen is a substance that evoke an immune response in the body i.e it causes the body to produce Antibodies. There are 5 main Antigens on the Red Blood Cells of which the most important is the Rh D antigen. The Rh D antigen is the most immunogenic which means it mostly provoke an immune response.so if your blood has this protein(Antigen), you are Rh+ and if your blood lack this protein(Antigen), you are Rh-.
Rhesus factor is therefore indicated by either a positive (+) or negative (-) sign written next to your blood group/blood type. For instance, without the Rhesus factor, we only have 4 major blood groups which are blood group O, A, B, and AB. But when the Rhesus factor is determined and attached it becomes 8 blood types: O+, O-, A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+ and AB-.
Blood Type is hereditary but people also inherit their Rhesus status from their parents separate from their ABO blood type and while being Rh+ is common, being Rh- doesn’t indicate illness and does not usually affects a person’s health but can influence compatibility with other blood types.
Importance of knowing your Rhesus Status
This is particularly important to women. As we already know, Rh factor is hereditary, it’s essential for determining blood compatibility of people especially during blood transfusions, blood donations and during pregnancy. The main complication related to Rh factor involve those with Rh- encountering Rh+ blood and producing Anti D antibodies in response. This may occur during pregnancy if a mother that is Rh- is carrying a fetus that is Rh+, the mother’s body will recognize the Rh+ blood as foreign and produce Anti D antibodies which can cross the placenta and attack the fetus. An attack by the Antibodies on the fetus blood cells can result in Hemolytic Disease of the new born (HDN): Jaundice, Anemia and enlarging of their organs and in severe cases may result in a still birth or even miscarriages. Thankfully this can be minimized if the mother is sensitized and goes for the recommended RhO GAM shot during pregnancy or after an ectopic pregnancy, pregnancy loss or induced abortion.
Similarly Rh- people who receives an Rh+ blood transfusion may experience an incompatible transfusion reaction known as Acute Hemolytic Transfusion reaction Which can lead to Hypotension, DIC ( Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation), Renal failure and death.
