By: NIKITA NAHAK, SOUMYA RANJAN NAYAK, PRIYANKA KHURANA
The ABO and Rh blood group systems are crucial for transfusion medicine, organ transplantation, and genetic research. Studying these blood groups across various populations aids in deciphering genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns. This study focused on the ABO and Rh blood group distribution in the Juang community of Odisha’s Dhenkanal district, aiming to uncover genetic links with other Odisha tribes. We collected blood from 158 randomly chosen individuals, using the slide method for blood grouping. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 20 and PAST4.08 for frequency distribution, chi-square tests, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), respectively. Results indicated a higher prevalence of blood group B and a lower occurrence of blood group O, with all individuals being Rh-positive. No marked sex-based differences in blood group distribution were noted. Allele frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The PCA revealed that the Austro-Asiatic speaking Juang tribe clusters with other Austro-Asiatic and Dravidian-speaking tribes from northern and western Odisha, suggesting a shared genetic foundation among linguistically diverse groups in close geographical quarters. Thus, blood group allele frequencies mirror the genetic makeup of the Juang tribe, molded by geographical closeness over linguistic distinctions.
