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There are differences in the distribution of ABO and Rh (D) blood groups in different populations of the
world. The ABO and Rh (Rhesus) blood group systems are important for blood transfusion purpose,
paternity testing, modern medicine, anthropology and in population genetic study. Relatively, little
information is available about the blood group distributions of the Maram ethnic community. This study
sought to determine the current status of the blood group distribution and corresponding genetic
composition of blood of the Maram population. Blood samples were collected from the students of Maram
tribe by finger-prick method and blood groups were examined by slide-test method. Blood group O was
the most predominant (35%) blood type. Majority (65%) of the subjects were Rh (D) positive and a
surprisingly good number of the subjects (35%) were Rh negative. Blood type B had the highest number
of Rh negative subjects (17.2 % ). Blood group ‘AB’ was the rarest (17.7%) of all the blood types. This
study confirmed that ABO and Rh antigenic structures differed among various populations and regions
across the globe.
Key words : Maram, ABO, Rh factor, multiple alleles.