The molecular backgrounds of variants encountered in Afro-Caribbean black individuals and associated with the production of clinically significant antibodies against high-incidence antigens (anti-RH18, anti-RH34) and against Rhe epitopes were determined. We showed that RH:؊18 phenotypes are produced by 3 distinct RHCE alleles: ceEK carrying 48G>C (

The study showed the heterogeneity of the molecular background of the weak C, VS+, hr(B)-, Hr(B)- phenotype in the black population. The screening of blood donors in this population for hr(B)- or Hr(B)- phenotype should implement the molecular characterization of Rh genes.