Case
ABO and Rh
Blood groups are anthropology’s oldest genetic markers and still a 10-marker factory.
- ABO antigens sit on red cells; antibodies in plasma. Mismatch causes agglutination.
- IA and IB codominant; IO recessive — four phenotypes A, B, AB, O.
- Rh: D is the main teaching antigen (Rh+ / Rh−). Other C/c and E/e loci exist.
- Rh incompatibility: Rh− mother, Rh+ fetus; second pregnancy risk if she has made antibodies. Anti-D within 72 hours after an Rh+ birth is the clinical peg.
- ABO incompatibility is usually milder than Rh disease in the teaching notes.
Key points
Immunogenetics and HLA
- Immunogenetics: genetic control of immune response.
- HLA (MHC) variants shape infection and autoimmunity risk.
- Teaching cases: Sahariya and HLA-DRB1*15 with pulmonary TB susceptibility; HLA links in type 1 diabetes and other autoimmune lists.
- Use as population variation + health, not as a racial ranking.
WRAP Exams coaching notes for UPSC Anthropology optional. Pair with the official syllabus when you need every heading in order.