Seasonal distribution characteristics of unexpected antibodies in voluntary blood donors and their correlation with influenza virus epidemics
10.13303/j.cjbt.issn.1004-549x.2026.09.016
- VernacularTitle:无偿献血者意外抗体季节分布特征及其与流感病毒流行的相关性分析
- Author:
Jianling ZHU
1
;
Tingting CHENG
1
;
Binglin XU
1
;
Chunya MA
1
;
Yang YU
1
Author Information
1. Department of Transfusion Medicine, First Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
voluntary blood donors;
unexpected antibody;
naturally occurring antibody;
seasonal distribution;
influenza virus;
blood transfusion safety
- From:
Chinese Journal of Blood Transfusion
2026;39(9):1273-1277
- CountryChina
- Language:Chinese
-
Abstract:
Objective: To analyze the distribution characteristics of unexpected antibodies among voluntary blood donors at a hospital in Beijing, with a focus on the seasonal distribution patterns of natural antibodies represented by the MNS and Lewis systems, as well as their correlation with concurrent local epidemic trends of the influenza virus, so as to provide a scientific basis for clinical transfusion safety early-warning and management strategies. Methods: A total of 82 780 voluntary blood donors from March 2023 to February 2026 at our hospital were enrolled. Positive screening for unexpected antibodies was identified through ABO blood group re-evaluations and minor crossmatch incompatibilities. Based on climatological seasonal definitions—spring (March to May), summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to February of the following year) —differences in the detection rates of various antibody classifications across different seasons were compared. Local influenza surveillance data from the same period were collected, and their correlation with the positive rate of influenza virus was analyzed. Results: A total of 98 cases (0.12%) positive for unexpected antibodies were identified among the 82 780 blood donors, including 87 cases with specific antibodies. The MNS system antibodies (anti-M) accounted for the highest proportion (54 cases, 55.10%). The detection rate of unexpected antibodies was significantly different in different seasons (P<0.05), and the detection rate in winter was significantly higher than that in spring, summer, and autumn (P<0.05). Correlation analysis showed that the monthly detection rate of total unexpected antibodies was positively correlated with the positive rate of influenza virus (r=0.423, P=0.010); The correlation between the monthly detection rate of unexpected antibodies and the positive rate of influenza virus in Lewis system (r=0.398, P=0.016) and MNS system (r=0.389, P=0.019) was statistically significant; However, no correlation was found for other antibodies such as those of the Rh system (P>0.05). Conclusion: The detection of unexpected antibodies in voluntary blood donors showed significant aggregation in winter, and was ecologically correlated with the positive rate of influenza virus in the region at the population level, which was more obvious in MNS and Lewis blood group system antibodies. These results suggest that influenza virus infection may have a potential impact on the expression of natural antibodies. Enhancing unexpected antibody identification and early warning for clinical crossmatch risks during winter is of great significance for ensuring the safety of clinical blood transfusion.
