An immunological disease caused by Rh incompatiblity

1. P.X.Antony
Assistant Professor
Department of Microbiology
RAGACOVAS
PUDUCHERRY
pxantony@gmail.com
ICT applications 10th June 2009

2.  Rh Factor
 Individuals whose red blood cells agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called
rhesus positive (Rh+)
Individuals whose blood does not agglutinate
when mixed with antibodies to rhesus
monkey blood are called called
rhesus negative (Rh-)
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3. Rh typing
Rh Negative
(No agglutination)
Rh Positive
(agglutination)
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4.  The Rh antigen is found on the red blood
cells of
 85% of whites
 96% of blacks and
 99% of Asians
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5.  Ifa Rh- mother becomes pregnant by a Rh+
father and If baby is Rh+
 Thismeans a Rh+ baby growing in a Rh-
mother.
 At the time of birth some of the baby's blood
gets into the mother's circulation.
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6.  Thissensitizes the mother to Rh+ blood and
she produces anti-Rh+ antibodies.
 These antibodies do not affect the first baby
as they are produced in her blood after this
baby is born.
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7.  Ifshe has a second pregnancy with a Rh+
baby her antibodies may cross the placenta
and destroy the baby's red blood cells.
 This condition is called
erythroblastosis foetalis.
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8. Rh - Rh +
Rh +
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9. At the time of delivery
Rh +
Rh -
Rh + cells from foetus enters mother
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10. Mother’s immune system
Mother develops antibodies
to Rh + cells from foetus
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11. Second Pregnancy
Rh +
Rh -
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12. Rh +
Rh -
Antibodies to Rh + cells enter
foetal circulation

13. Excessive destruction of RBCs leads to jaundice
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14.  The baby either suffers from jaundice
 Anaemia
 Lack of blood supply to brain leads
serious brain damages
 Stillbirth
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15.  Theseserious damages can only be
prevented by a complete exchange of the
newly born baby's blood.
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16. Treatment
Administration of Rhogam (antibodies
to Rh + cells) to mother just after
delivery of the first child
Rhogam neutralises Rh+ cells thus preventing
the production of anti-RH+ antibodies

17. Thank you
Thank you
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