Rh Factor: Discovery in Rhesus Monkeys and Clinical Significance
The Rh antigen was first identified in rhesus monkey blood. In humans, Rh-positive individuals have the D antigen on red cells; Rh-negative lack it.
Clinical Importance
- Transfusion: Rh-negative recipients can develop anti-D antibodies if exposed to Rh-positive blood, causing hemolytic transfusion reactions.
- Pregnancy: Rh-negative mother with Rh-positive fetus risks alloimmunization; anti-D immunoglobulin prophylaxis prevents hemolytic disease of the fetus/newborn.
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