Molecular and clinical characterization of the first Palestinian case of anti-Gerbich.

Antigens of the Gerbich (Ge) blood group system are highly prevalent proteins that are expressed on the glycophorin C and glycophorin D of the human erythrocytes. Three phenotypes of Ge-negative red blood cells (RBC) have been identified serologically and genetically. Alloantibodies against Ge antigens are extremely rare and their identification can be clinically significant. The persistence of Ge alloantibodies in the patients' blood has not been well investigated. Herein we report a case of a patient with osteosarcoma showed anti-Ge alloantibodies by serology testing following blood transfusion. This case has been further genetically tested and showed a Yus phenotype by molecular analysis. The formed anti-Ge alloantibodies disappeared after 9 months of induction. This case has been successfully managed with compatible Ge2-negative frozen packed RBC. This case reports an extremely rare finding in the Palestinian population characterized by the presence of anti-Ge antibodies and highlights the need for establishing a registry of rare blood groups antigens in Palestine.