The distribution of some polymorphisms in Italy.

A wide data collection on blood group gene frequencies in Italian regions and provinces is presented. This report is the result of a joint collaboration of human geneticists and forensic haematologists started in 1979 and updates a previous work by the same group. The following genetic polymorphisms have been examined: red-cell antigens (ABO, FY, Kell, Kidd, Lewis, Lutheran, MNSs, P, Rhesus), red-cell enzymes (ACP1, ADA, AK1, ESD, GLO1, GPT, PGD, PGM1), plasma proteins (BF, C3, GC, HP, IGK, PI, TF). Data have been classified according to genetic systems, Italian regions and provinces. Gene frequencies were estimated by the maximum likelihood method. The goodness of fit to Hardy-Weinberg proportions has been evaluated by the likelihood ratio statistics. Genetic heterogeneity of provinces and regions is reported.