Molecular polymorphism of the ABO blood group: a study in Poland, Spain, and Andorra.

Objectives: The main goal of this study is to increase knowledge on the molecular level of the ABO blood group system in Europe by providing data for Poland, Spain, and Andorra populations. Methods: A total of 172 oral scrapings samples from individuals of Polish origin, 108 peripheral blood samples of autochthonous individuals from the province of Zamora (Spain), and 81 peripheral blood samples from individuals with Andorran origin, were analyzed. Molecular characterization of the allelic variants was performed by the analysis of exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene. Results: Seven common alleles were identified, namely: A101, A102, A201, B101, O01, O02, and O03. Less common variants (O05, O09, O21, O26, O06, O11, and O12), were also detected. Conclusions: The results obtained contribute to the knowledge of the molecular European ABO map, and re discussed in regard to the allelic frequency reported by other Caucasian and Asian populations. (C) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.