PHENOTYPIC DISTRIBUTION OF HUMAN MORPHOGENETIC TRAITS AND ABO-RH BLOOD GROUPS AMONG STUDENTS OF AMBA-GIORGIS SECONDARY AND PREPARATORY SCHOOL, WEGERA WOREDA, NORTHWEST ETHIOPIA
Keywords:
Amba Giorgis, ABO-Rh Blood group, Prevalence, Morphogenetic traitsAbstract
The morphogenetic traits or phenotypical traits are observable physical characteristics inherited from the parents, typically exhibiting autosomal recessive or dominant patterns and varying in expression among various populations. The current study aimed to evaluate phenotypic distribution of eleven morphogenetic traits alongside Rh blood group and ABO frequencies among the students at Amba Giorgis Secondary and Preparatory School. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving 384 volunteer students (176 males and 208 females) with the age range between 15 to 20 years, selected through stratified random sampling. Phenotypic data on morphogenetic traits were collected via direct physical observation. The blood samples were obtained through finger-prick, and Rh blood groups and ABO were determined using Slide agglutination technique using commercially prepared Anti-A, Anti-B, and Anti-D sera. Data were analyzed through SPSS version 23.0, while allelic frequencies of ABO blood groups were calculated through S2ABO software. The most prevalent morphogenetic traits in the studied population included smooth chin (77.6%), straight hairline (75.8%), attached earlobe (58.85%), crossing of the left thumb over the right thumb (57.03%), ability to roll the tongue (57.81%), right-handedness (97.7%), straight thumb shape (70.05%), absence of dimples (77.1%), crossing of the left arm over the right (88.28%), absence of mid-digital hair (73.44%), and normal foot arches (70.57%). The ABO blood group distribution followed the pattern O > A > B > AB, with blood group O being the most frequent (38.54%) and AB the least common (7.55%). Approximately 90% of the participants were Rh-positive. Significant sex differences were observed in the chin cleft/dimple, distribution of earlobe attachment, foot shape, thumb shape, facial dimple, and ABO blood groups. However, no significant association was found between ABO-Rh blood groups and morphogenetic traits. The study provides important baseline data on morphogenetic trait distribution and ABO-Rh blood group frequencies in this Ethiopian population. Significant associations were observed between several morphogenetic traits and sex, while no statistically significant association was observed between morphogenetic traits and ABO-Rh blood groups. These findings contribute to the understanding of genetic diversity in the region and provide a basis for further genetic, anthropological, and forensic studies.
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