Frequency of the DI*A, DI*B and Band 3 Memphis polymorphism among distinct groups in Brazil.

Introduction: The Band 3 is a red blood cell protein that carries the Di and Di antigens from the Diego blood system. The SLC4A1 gene encodes Band 3; Band 3 Memphis is a polymorphism of normal Band 3 and has two variants, but only the variant II carries the Di antigen.

Objectives: Describe the frequencies of the DI*A and DI*B alleles and the Band 3 Memphis among blood donors, sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and Amazonian Indians.