Erythroblastosis fetalis is caused by the transplacental passage of maternal antibody active against paternal RBC antigens of the infant and is characterized by an increased rate of RBC destruction. Although more than 60 different RBC antigens are capable of eliciting an antibody response, significant disease is associated primarily D antigen of Rh group and with A 0 incompatibility. Other rare antigens involved are - C or E antigen of Rh group RBC antigens - Cw, Cx, Cu, K (kell), M, Duffy, S, P, MNS, Xg, Lutheran, Diego and Kidd. Anti-Lewis antibodies do not cause disease.
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