HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Simmons, R. T. Articles by Gajdusek, D. C. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Simmons, R. T. Articles by Gajdusek, D. C.

Studies on Kuru

V. A Blood Group Genetical Survey of the Kuru Region and Other Parts of Papua-New Guinea^*

A blood group genetical survey has been carried out in the kuru region of the Eastern Highlands and other parts of Papua-New Guinea. A total of 2,853 blood specimens has been tested and gene frequencies are presented for the ABO, MNSs and Rh blood groups. Results are also presented for the blood groups P, Le^a, Fy^a, K, Lu^a, Wr^a, Jk^a, Di^a, Js^a, and V. A few S.C.T. and P.T.C. tests were also made. The extensive blood group genetic data for natives of New Guinea (Papua, New Guinea and Netherlands New Guinea) have been tabulated, and comparisons made of frequencies found in various linguistic groups in different parts of New Guinea.

It is considered that the apparent phenotypic heterogeneity of the natives of New Guinea is largely the result of differentiation developing from a small, reasonably homogeneous population which spread gradually to many relatively isolated regions, and that over the centuries diverse types have evolved which show variations both in physical characteristics and in blood group gene frequencies.

No evidence of the blood antigen Di^a, a possible Mongoloid marker, was found in New Guinea. No evidence of the blood antigens Js^a and V, or S.C.T., possible Negro markers, was found. The absence of subgroup A₂ (except in one family) and the low frequency of the gene R_o do not offer any support for earlier suggestions that a Negro component is present in New Guinea natives.

^* One of us (R.T.S.) acknowledges a grant from the Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research, Inc. through the University of California, Los Angeles, used mainly for air-freight charges.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				E. Giles, E. Ogan, and A. G. Steinberg Gamma-Globulin Factors (Gm and Inv) in New Guinea: Anthropological Significance Science, November 26, 1965; 150(3700): 1158 - 1160. [Abstract] [PDF]