RHESUS FACTORS Meaning and
Definition
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Rhesus factors refer to a series of genetically determined antigens located on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) in humans, primarily the protein named the Rh factor. The Rh factor is classified into two groups: Rh positive and Rh negative. The presence or absence of these antigens determines an individual's Rh blood type, and this system plays a vital role in blood transfusions and Rh disease during pregnancy.
If a person's RBCs contain the Rh factor, they are Rh positive (Rh+). Conversely, if the Rh factor is absent, they are Rh negative (Rh-). The most predominant Rh antigen is RhD, but there are other Rh subtypes as well, such as C, c, E, and e. These factors are hereditary and inherited from parents in a Mendelian fashion.
Rhesus factors gain importance in blood transfusions and pregnancy because an Rh-negative individual's immune system may produce antibodies against the Rh factor if exposed to Rh-positive blood (for example, during a transfusion or pregnancy with an Rh-positive fetus). This antigen-antibody reaction can lead to complications such as hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) or erythroblastosis fetalis if an Rh-negative mother carries an Rh-positive fetus in subsequent pregnancies.
To prevent such complications, Rh immune globulin (RhIg) injections are given to Rh-negative mothers during pregnancy and after any potential Rh-positive fetal exposure. These antibodies help prevent sensitization and the development of harmful antibodies in the Rh-negative person's blood.
In conclusion, rhesus factors are a group of antigens found on the surface of red blood cells, primarily the Rh factor, playing a crucial role in blood compatibility, transfusions, and the prevention of Rh disease during pregnancy.
Common Misspellings for RHESUS FACTORS
- ehesus factors
- dhesus factors
- fhesus factors
- thesus factors
- 5hesus factors
- 4hesus factors
- rgesus factors
- rbesus factors
- rnesus factors
- rjesus factors
- ruesus factors
- ryesus factors
- rhwsus factors
- rhssus factors
- rhdsus factors
- rhrsus factors
- rh4sus factors
- rh3sus factors
- rheaus factors
- rhezus factors
Etymology of RHESUS FACTORS
The word rhesus in rhesus factors comes from the Rhesus monkey, which played a significant role in the discovery of the blood factor known as the Rhesus antigen. The Rhesus antigen is a protein found on the surface of red blood cells in many individuals. The term factor refers to a substance present in the blood. The combination of these two terms resulted in rhesus factors.
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