What is the significance of the Duffy blood group system in the context of malaria?

A It provides protection against Plasmodium vivax ✓
B It increases the risk of hemolytic disease of the newborn
C It is associated with an increased risk of alloimmunization
D It has no clinical significance in transfusion medicine

Explanation

The Duffy blood group system is significant in the context of malaria because the Duffy antigen acts as a receptor for Plasmodium vivax, and individuals lacking this antigen (such as those with the Duffy negative phenotype) are resistant to infection with this parasite.

Source

Transfusion Medicine textbooks
Hematology Hematology: Blood Grouping and Crossmatching Hematology: Blood Grouping and Crossmatching Medium MEDICAL Confidence: high