Journal of Biology, Agriculture and Healthcare www.iiste.org ISSN 2224-3208 (Paper) ISSN 2225-093X (Online) Vol.5, No.14, 2015 16 Premarital Screening of HIV, Haemoglobin Genotype, ABO and Rhesus Blood Group among Intending Couples in Yenagoa, Nigeria Onuoha, E.C. 1 , Eledo, B.O., 2 Anyanwu, P., 3 . Agoro, E.S 4 1, Laboratory Department, Gloryland Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 2, Haematology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. 3, Federal Polytechnic Bida, Niger State, Nigeria. 4, Chemical Pathology Department, Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. Abstract Background Premarital screening is fast gaining ground as a prerequisite for the solemnization of holy matrimony by many faith-based organizations in Nigeria, yet there is no literature on the subject in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State. Methods One hundred and five (105) premarital heterosexual couples (105 males and105 females) were screened for the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), haemoglobin genotypes, and ABO and Rhesus blood groups using standard laboratory procedures. Results The prevalence of HIV in this study was found to be 1.0%. The frequencies of the HbAA (74%), HbAS (24%), HbAC (1.5%), HbSS(0.5%) while that of ABO and Rh blood groups were: group A (21%), B (25%), AB (6.0%), 0 (48%), Rh ‘D’ positive (97%) and Rh ‘D’ negative (3.0%). The distribution of these variables between the sexes was statistically significant (χ2=25.68, p<0.01). The frequencies of the haemoglobin genotype combinations of the intending couples were as follows: HbAA/AA (55%), AA/AS (33%), AS/AS (8.0%), AA/AC (2.0%), AS/AC(1.0%) and AS/SS (1.0%) . This distribution pattern was also found to be highly statistically significant (χ 2 = 24.459, p < 0.0001). The mean age of the participants was 31.91 ± 4.80years for male and 26.105 ± 4.29 years for female (t = 3.272, p < 0.05). Conclusion This study observed a low prevalence of HIV among the premarital couples and a relatively high frequency of HbAS/AS couples. The ABO and Rh blood groups were found to be stable and consistent with previous reports. For the prevention of hereditary blood diseases, haemolytic disease of the newborn and transmission of HIV to offspring, premarital testing should be encouraged. Keywords: Human immunodeficiency Virus(HIV), Haemoglobin Genotype, ABO And Rhesus Blood Group. Introduction A premarital test is defined as a test in which intending couples are tested for genetic, infectious and blood- transmitted diseases to prevent any risk of transmitting the disease to their children. It provides the baseline assessment of prospective marriage couples with the aim of reducing the unproductive genetic risk and also reduces the incidence of babies born with common haemoglobinopathies and infectious diseases (Sharaf .,2006). One of the biggest health challenges threatening the human race in recent times is the HIV/AID pandemic. The disease has continued to be in the front burner for many years now, despite initial denials and cover-ups by some countries. UNAIDS estimated that globally, there were 33 million [30 million–36 million] people living with HIV in 2007. Overall, 2.0 million [1.8million–2.3 million] people died due to AIDS in 2007,compared with an estimated 1.7 million [1.5million–2.3 million] in 2001.Sub-Saharan Africa with just over 10 percent of the world’s population has the greatest burden of this disease. It is estimated that close to two thirds of all people living with HIV are in sub Saharan Africa with South Africa having about 5.3m million people living with HIV/AIDS-the largest in Africa (UNAIDS, 2008b). The HIV/AIDS pandemic has significantly interfered with the gains which has been made in the area of health and development in many African countries over the years and has also reduced the quality of life. According to UNAID with AIDS claiming so many people’s lives, Nigeria’s life expectancy has declined (UNAIDS, 2008b). In 1991, the average life expectancy was 53.8 years for women and 52.6 years for men. In 2007, these figures have fallen to 46 for women and 47 for men (Spink, G. 2009). There is therefore a disparity between what ought to be and what is happening presently as regards the situation of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (FMOH, 2006c. 2005). The disparity between what should have been and what will exist will worsen further if the HIV prevalence is allowed to rise further and the epidemic is not adequately controlled. A particular response which has attracted a lot of controversies is mandatory pre-marital HIV testing. Mandatory premarital HIV testing