What is the term used to describe an individual with no expressions of Duffy antigens?

Prepare for the Harr Immunology, Serology and Blood Bank Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes an individual with no expressions of Duffy antigens is indeed represented by the notation Fy(a−b−). This designation indicates that the individual lacks both the Fy(a) and Fy(b) antigens, which are part of the Duffy blood group system. Individuals with this phenotype are often found in certain populations, particularly those of African descent, and this lack of expression can also confer some resistance to malaria, as the Duffy antigen serves as a receptor for the malaria parasite.

Understanding the importance of this term helps in blood typing and compatibility testing, as well as in studying the genetic variations and implications for disease susceptibility in diverse populations. Other terms like homozygous and heterozygous refer to the genetic makeup regarding the presence of alleles at a given locus but do not specifically indicate the absence of antigens. Phenotype, while describing observable characteristics, does not provide the specific information about the Duffy antigen expression as clearly as Fy(a−b−) does.

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