Blood groups in the species survival plan^®, European endangered species program, and managed in situ populations of bonobo (Pan paniscus), common chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes), gorilla (Gorilla ssp.), and orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus ssp.)

Abstract

Blood groups of humans and great apes long have been considered similar although are not interchangeable between species. In this study, human monoclonal antibody technology was used to assign human ABO blood groups to whole blood samples from great apes housed in North American and European zoos and in situ managed populations, as a practical means to assist blood transfusion situations for these species. From a subset of each of the species (bonobo, common chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutans), DNA sequence analysis was performed to determine blood group genotype. Bonobo and common chimpanzee populations were predominantly group A which concurred with historic literature and was confirmed by genotyping. In agreement with historic literature, a smaller number of the common chimpanzees sampled were group O although this O blood group was more often present in wild-origin animals as compared to zoo-born animals. Gorilla blood groups were inconclusive by monoclonal antibody techniques and by genetic studies were inconsistent with any known human blood group. As the genus and specifically the Bornean species, orangutans were identified with all human blood groups, including O, which had not been reported previously. Following this study, it was concluded that blood groups of bonobo, common chimpanzees, and some orangutans can be reliably assessed by human monoclonal antibody technology. However, this technique was not reliable for gorilla or orangutans other than those with blood group A. Even in those species with reliable blood group detection, blood transfusion preparation must include cross-matching to minimize adverse reactions for the patient.

HOMOLOGOUS WHOLE BLOOD TRANSFUSION DURING TREATMENT OF SEVERE ANEMIA IN A CHIMPANZEE (PAN TROGLODYTES)

“…The product used in this case was based on the same blood grouping technology as a similar product that has been validated at the molecular level in chimpanzees. 2 These test kits often include Rh-factor; however, the correlation between test reactivity and RBC antigens is not consistent with that of humans in chimpanzees. The recipient and the two potential donors were blood group A, which is the most common blood group in chimpanzees.…”

“…The recipient and the two potential donors were blood group A, which is the most common blood group in chimpanzees. 2 The case described in this brief communication demonstrates that whole blood transfusions can be a useful emergency procedure to buy time in critically ill chimpanzees, even in the absence of a definitive diagnosis for the cause of anemia. In human transfusion therapy antipyretics, steroids, antihistamines, and diuretics are used as premedication to reduce transfusion reactions; however, several recent studies question if this has a protective effect.…”

“…Captive great ape facilities would benefit from having blood groups for their individuals registered to the international database of this species, thus saving time in an emergency situation and avoiding anesthetizing animals of a different blood group. 2 Blood grouping for great apes has been performed using commercial human ABO test kits that are rapid, cheap, and easy to use. The product used in this case was based on the same blood grouping technology as a similar product that has been validated at the molecular level in chimpanzees.…”

Human erythrocyte antigens in Brazilian Capuchin monkeys (Sapajus sp.)

“…3 Since then, other researchers have investigated the presence of erythrocyte antigens of some human blood systems in different anthropoid ape and other Old and New World monkey species. [4][5][6][7][8][9] Some of these studies have also included genotypic analysis of the blood systems, but only few known erythrocyte antigens were analyzed.…”

“…The apex of these studies in monkeys occurred when Landsteiner & Wiener discovered the anti‐Rh antibody by immunizing rabbits and guinea pigs with red blood cells from the Rhesus monkey ( Macaca mulatta ) . Since then, other researchers have investigated the presence of erythrocyte antigens of some human blood systems in different anthropoid ape and other Old and New World monkey species . Some of these studies have also included genotypic analysis of the blood systems, but only few known erythrocyte antigens were analyzed.…”