The Bombay Blood or hh blood group is a rare blood phenotype first discovered in Mumbai (then called Bombay). It was discovered in 1952 by Dr Y.M. Bhende. This blood phenotype is mostly found in India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and in some parts of the Middle East region.
This article will further elaborate upon the Bombay Blood group within the context of the IAS Exam. The topic of the Bombay blood group is significant for IAS exam science and technology, as well as health segments.
How common is the occurrence of the Bombay Blood Group?
The Bombay blood group is a very rare blood group that is usually present in about 0.0004% (about 4 million) of the total human population, although the occurrence in Mumbai is as much as 0.01%, which means 1 in 10,000 may possess the blood group. Given the rarity of the blood group, blood transfusion of this phenotype is a difficult task.
Bombay Blood Group: UPSC Notes – Download PDF Here
Problems associated with the Transfusion of Bombay Blood Group
Those that possess the hh phenotype do not express H antigen, which is also present in the O blood group. Thus they cannot make A antigen or B antigen (known otherwise as substance A or substance B respectively) on their red blood cells. Due to this reason, people with the Bombay Blood group can donate blood to any member of the ABO blood group system, but they cannot receive blood from any member of the ABO blood group system. In other words, only those who have the Bombay Blood themselves can safely receive a blood transfusion from the same phenotype without any complications.
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Genetics of the Bombay Blood Group
The Bombay Blood group occurs in those individuals who have inherited two recessive strains of the H gene. Such individuals do not produce the H carbohydrate.
As both parents carry the allele to transmit this blood type to their children. In addition, the Bombay Blood has more chances of both parents and the child being of the same blood type. Other examples may include noble families, which are inbred due to custom rather than local genetic variety.
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Frequently asked Questions about Bombay Blood Group
What blood type is Bombay Blood?
How is Bombay Blood identified?
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