Background

Cat blood types are defined by the presence or absence of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) and N-acetylneuraminic acid (NeuAc) on the red blood cell surface. The most common blood type A is associated with the presence of NeuGc, blood type B is associated with the presence of NeuAc and the rare blood type AB with the presence of both. CMAH is a gene involved in the control of cat blood types. Wild type CMAH converts NeuAc to NeuGc, resulting in blood type A, which is dominant to B. A loss of function mutation identified in CMAH represents the recessive b allele. The mode of inheritance of blood type AB is unclear. In Ragdoll cats, recently a CMAH mutation was identified which is highly associated with blood type AB. Presence of both NeuGc and NeuAc can be explained by a reduced CMAH activity (aAB/ aAB or aAB/b). Hence, at least a second yet unidentified AB variant must exist, as a significant number of AB cats were typed A/ aAB in the study, which predicts a wrong type A assignment.

Test specific information

The test determines the presence or absence of a DNA variant in the CMAH gene, which is highly associated with blood group AB in Ragdoll cats and to a lesser degree in random bred cats. The differentiation between blood group A and B is based on a second DNA variant, which is not included in the test. The proposed allelic series is A>aAB>b.

NB: Study results predict the existence of an additional DNA variant associated with blood group AB. This does indicate, that this test is not complete and additional variants are expected to be published in literature.

The genotype/serotype correlation is given below:
• A/A - Type A
• A/aAB - Type A
• A/b - Type A
• aAB/aAB - Type AB
• aAB/b - Type AB
• b/b - Type B

AB NOT PRESENT:
The tested AB associated DNA variant (aAB) is not present in the sample. The possible genotypes of the sample can be A/A, A/b or b/b.

AB HETEROZYGOUS:
The tested AB associated DNA variant (aAB) is heterozygous present in the sample. The possible genotypes of the sample can be A/aAB or aAB/b.

AB HOMOZYGOUS:
The tested AB associated DNA variant (aAB) is homozygous present in the sample. The genotype of the sample is aAB/aAB.

Age

Symptoms will develop at a young age. Within a few hours to a maximum of several weeks after birth, the characteristics that go with these genetic effects will become visible.

Throughput

The turn-around-time of a test depends to a large extent on the logistics of sample transportation to the laboratory. After receiving the sample at the test location, you can normally expect the result within 10-15 working days. A longer delivery time applies to tests carried out by a Partner Lab.

Location of disease or trait

This genetic factor is linked to antibodies present in blood.

Breed dependence

This DNA test is available for the following breeds: Ragdoll.

Sample type

For this DNA test we accept the following materials: Blood EDTA, Blood Heparin, Tissue, Swab.

Result

With bloodgroup A or AB present in a female cat a minimal risk exists at death of littermates due to bloodgroupantagonism. With bloodgroup B present in a female cat a risk at death of littermates exists due to bloodgroupantagonism.

Inheritance

Various genetic factors influencing blood groups are inherited in a dominant or recessive mode. Blood groups are influenced by a large number of genetic factors.

Severity of Disease

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