New Blood Type Discovered in France — And Offers a Breakthrough in Transfusion Medicine
Do you know your own blood group? Otherwise, a quick overview of your medical records or your donor card can, hopefully, answer this question and help practitioners identify the right type necessary for transfusion in the event of an emergency. But not for a woman from France. Despite a transfusion in 2011, doctors were unable to identify their blood group – nor have it match with a donor.
After an in -depth genetic analysis of its blood samples, interm researchers, the University of Paris Cited, the University of Antilles, the French National Blood Service (EFS) and the National Reference Center for Blood Groups (CNRGS) have published a surprise discovery: This patient had a blood group never seen before, now officially recognized as the 48th blood group system.
Blood systems and blood groups
All blood is not the same – Like the color of our eyes, our blood group is determined by our genes. The types of blood vary depending on the specific antigens present (or absent) on the surface of red blood cells. These antigens are recognized by our immune system, which means that transfusion with incompatible blood can trigger a severe or even fatal reaction.
The most familiar systems are ABO and HR, generally shown as a letter followed by A +or – Sign (for example, A +, AB-, O +). These are the most significant clinically for transfusions because their antigens are very immunogenic, which means that they are particularly likely to cause an immune response. While other blood group systems exist, their antigens are less reactive and are generally detected only if a patient has rare or unexpected antibodies.
Find out more: There is a new group of blood groups. Here’s why it’s important
An ultra-rare blood group
But even well -established systems have their limits. In 2011, the CNRG struck a confusing road dam when they did not identify the antibody present in a patient’s blood. Without knowing his blood group, no compatible donor could be found. Years later, in 2019, the researchers saw the case and asked for additional samples to try again.
This time, they went in everything: sequencing the entire genome of the patient, around 22,000 genes. What they discovered led to the identification of a brand new blood group system, nicknamed Pigz. Until now, it contains only one known blood group: negative gwada, named in reference to the origin of the patient.
This makes negative gwada an ultra-rare blood group-perhaps even unique to that one person. His discovery was not only a stroke of luck; It was the result of years of meticulous research and complete genetic sequencing.
Discover new blood systems
The discovery marks an important step for transfusion medicine and underlines the persistence of researchers like Slim Azouzi, a specialist in rare blood groups. His team worked for more than two years to understand this medical mystery, finally discovering a completely new classification.
Finding a new blood group system is a rare and significant achievement, the very first, Abo, was identified in 1900 by Karl Landsteiner. But in recent years, scientific progress has accelerated the pace. Of the 17 blood group systems discovered worldwide since 2012, 10 have been discovered by French EFS and its research collaborators.
For patients with rare blood groups, discoveries like these offer hope. Each new blood group that we identify adds another layer of precision and security to modern transfusion practices – and could make the difference between life and death when compatible blood is rare.
This article does not offer medical advice and should be used for information purposes only.
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Having worked as a biomedical research assistant in laboratories in three countries, Jenny excels in translating complex scientific concepts – ranging from medical breakthroughs and pharmacological discoveries to the last nutritions – into accessible and engaging content. His interests extend to subjects such as human evolution, psychology and stories of eccentric animals. When it is not immersed in a popular scientific book, you will find it to catch waves or sail on the island of Vancouver on its longboard.
