Can blood group O red cells of donor origin acquire weak group A reactivity through serum A transferase of the recipient after bone marrow transplantation?

BACKGROUND

Blood group A substance was detected on red cells of a patient who received a bone marrow transplant from a blood group O donor 3.5 years ago.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Peripheral blood was investigated by conventional serological techniques, fluorescence in situ hybridisation, and polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

All peripheral blood cells are of donor origin. Anti-A and not anti-A, B of blood group O individuals can be absorbed to the group O red cells of the patient.

CONCLUSION

We suppose that the patient's residual serum A transferase attaches the appropriate sugar to substance H on the red cell membrane to form substance A.