Prevalence of Rhesus Antibodies (Anti-C, -D, and -E) among Pregnant Women in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Rhesus alloimmunisation remains a major cause of haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN), particularly among Rh-negative women exposed to Rh-positive foetal red blood cells. This study investigated the prevalence of Rhesus (Rh) antibodies, specifically anti-C, anti-D and anti-E, among pregnant women in Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. A cross-sectional design was used, involving 101 pregnant women recruited from two antenatal clinics by simple random sampling. Blood samples were tested for Rh antigen status using tile agglutination, and antibody screening was performed using the indirect antiglobulin test. Sociodemographic and obstetric data were collected and analysed using SPSS version 21, with p ≤ 0.05 considered statistically significant. The prevalence of each Rh antibody, anti-C, anti-D and anti-E, was approximately 1%, with all three antibodies detected in a single nulliparous woman aged 18–24 years. No statistically significant associations (p > 0.05) were observed between antibody prevalence and maternal age, gestational age, marital status or parity. These findings suggest a low prevalence of Rh alloimmunisation in the study area, while supporting the continued need for routine antenatal Rh antibody screening and appropriate prophylactic intervention to reduce the risk of HDN. Further studies with larger samples and inclusion of transfusion history are recommended.