Medical Professionals Identify 48th Unique Blood Type Exclusively Found in a Single Individual Globally
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have identified a previously unknown human blood group, named "Gwada negative." This unique blood group was discovered in a woman from Guadeloupe, whose blood did not match any known blood types back in 2011 when she was preparing for surgery in a Paris hospital.
The International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT), which tracks these antigens, has recognized 47 blood group systems until now. However, the discovery of Gwada negative marks the addition of the 48th system to their list.
The unique constellation of antigens in Gwada negative resulted in a blood group that no existing system could classify. This intriguing development has shed light on the complexity of human blood group systems and the potential for yet undiscovered variations.
Blood types are determined by antigens, which are specific molecules made of proteins or sugars that coat the surface of red blood cells. In the case of Gwada negative, a mutation in a gene called PIGZ disrupted the anchoring process of proteins on the woman's red blood cells, producing the unique constellation of antigens.
The ABO and Rh systems, first identified by Karl Landsteiner in 1901 and later, respectively, produce the eight common blood types: A+, A−, B+, B−, AB+, AB−, O+, and O−. However, beyond these well-known systems, dozens of other blood group systems exist, each contributing to more detailed and specialized blood typing important for transfusion medicine.
The Gwada negative blood group falls under these other systems. It is based on the unique antigens produced by the PIGZ gene mutation, which is linked to the surface proteins on red blood cells. This system is important in rare blood typing and transfusion cases, as it offers a new dimension in understanding and managing such cases.
The name "Gwada negative" honours the woman's Guadeloupean heritage and follows a blood group naming tradition where rare blood groups often bear the names of the people or places tied to their discovery.
These antigens function like ID cards, helping the immune system distinguish between the body's own cells and potentially dangerous intruders. The discovery of Gwada negative underscores the importance of continuing research in this field, as it opens up new possibilities for understanding the human immune system and blood transfusion compatibility.
The research team is now turning its attention to Guadeloupe, hoping to find others who may carry the same mutation. This could lead to further insights into the genetic basis of blood group variations and potentially pave the way for new advances in transfusion medicine.
- The discovery of Gwada negative, the 48th human blood group system, has added a new dimension to the understanding of health and wellness, particularly in the field of medicine and science.
- This blood group's unique constellation of antigens is linked to a gene mutation in PIGZ, a finding that highlights the complexity of biology and the potential for undiscovered variations in science.
- As Gwada negative falls under the other, less common blood group systems, it plays an essential role in rare blood typing and transfusion cases, contributing to the specialized research in health-and-wellness and medical-conditions.
- The name Gwada negative honors the woman's Guadeloupean heritage and continues the tradition of naming rare blood groups after the people or places associated with their discovery.
- This groundbreaking research in technology underscores the importance of continuing scientific research, as it opens up new possibilities for understanding the human immune system and blood transfusion compatibility in space and beyond.
