Kell and Xg gene frequencies in Algeria.

Abstract

Using micro-methods, we have phenotyped 3590 and 688 Algerians for the KEL and XG systems respectively. The gene frequencies were estimated for each of the 26 "wilayas" (regions) of the country. The KEL*K allele shows a heterogeneous distribution throughout the regions (frequencies ranging from 0.0269 to 0.0678) with no evident gradient, although within the caucasoid range. The XG*a frequencies in the wilayas range from 0.3150 to 0.7778 following an increasing south-north cline, thus confirming the intermediate status of Algeria between Europe and Africa.