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The Epic Interactive Encyclopedia 1997
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1992-09-02
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protein on the surface of red blood cells of
humans, which is involved in the rhesus blood
group system. Most individuals possess the
main rhesus factor (Rh+), but those without
this factor (Rh-) produce antibodies if they
come into contact with it. The name comes
from rhesus monkeys, in whose blood rhesus
factors were first found. If an Rh- mother
carries an Rh+ fetus, she may produce
antibodies if fetal blood crosses the
placenta. This is not normally a problem with
the first infant because antibodies are only
produced slowly. However, the antibodies
continue to build up after birth, and a
second Rh+ child may be attacked by
antibodies passing from mother to fetus,
causing the child to contract anaemia, heart
failure, or brain damage. In such cases, the
blood of the infant has to be changed for Rh-
blood. Alternatively, the problem can be
alleviated by giving the mother anti-Rh
globulin just after the first pregnancy,
preventing the formation of antibodies.