Geographical distribution of ABO and RHD antigens is important for blood transfusion services and population genetics studies. There are few data on this topic in Burkina Faso, a multi-ethnic country. Our study aims at reporting phenotypic and allelic frequencies of ABO and RHD blood groups among voluntary blood donors from various ethnical regions of Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross-sectional study including 81,486 blood donors. ABO allelic frequencies were determined using the Bernstein method. Differences in phenotypic distribution of blood groups were assessed using the chi-square test; a p value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant. We noticed that O+>B+>A+>AB+>O->B->A->AB- in our population. Phenotypic frequencies of blood groups A, B, O and AB were respectively 22.54%, 28.56%, 43.30% and 5.60%. RHD+was 92.24%. The allelic frequencies of A, B, O and D were respectively 0.1524; 0.1887; 0.6590 and 0.7214. We noticed statistical differences (p < 0.05) between these administrative regions which corresponded roughly to some natural ethnic areas. Indeed, the phenotype O was more frequent in the Central-west, Central and East regions corresponding to "Mossi," "Gourounsi," "Gourmantché" areas while the phenotype A and AB were more reported in "Boucle du mouhoun" and "Hauts-Bassins" regions where we have "Bwaba" and "Bobo." The phenotype O negative was less frequent in "Bwaba." Our study provides interesting information to blood services that will allow them to better refine their donor recruitment strategies.
© 2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.