Mucosal Blood Group Antigen Expression Profiles and HIV Infections: A Study among Female Sex Workers in Kenya.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The ABO blood group antigens are carbohydrate moieties expressed on human red blood cells however; these antigens can also be expressed on some other cells particularly the surface of epithelial cells and may be found in mucosal secretions. In many human populations 80% secrete ABO antigens (termed 'secretors') while 20% do not (termed 'non-secretors'). Furthermore, there are disease conditions that are associated with secretor status.

Objective

To investigate correlations between secretor status and HIV infection among female sex workers in Nairobi, Kenya.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study recruited 280 female sex workers aged 18-65 years from the Pumwani Majengo cohort, Kenya. Blood typing was determined by serological techniques using monoclonal ant

SUBMITTER: Chanzu NM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4505875 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature