What is Antibody Anti-JKa?

1 Answer
Oct 21, 2017

The Kidd antigen system is present on the membranes of RBC's and the kidneys and helps determine a person's blood type.

Explanation:

Antibodies to red cell antigens are considered naturally occurring when there is no obvious source stimulus such as blood transfusion, injection or pregnancy. These antibodies are produced as an immune response to some unknown environmental antigens such as pollen grains and other parts of bacterial membranes.

Kidd antibodies are dangerous as they are capable of causing severe acute hemolytic transfusion reactions. They are unique in that they are capable of dropping to low undetectable levels after several months following an exposure event. However after transfusion, a subsequent robust antibody response in the patient can occur resulting in haemolysis.