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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
'She is the only person in the world compatible with herself' — scientists discover new blood type but it's unique to just one person from Guadeloupe
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Scientists have discovered a new blood group that has so far only been identified in one woman, from the French overseas region of Guadeloupe. The 68-year-old is the only known person in the world to have this blood group, which has been named "Gwada negative," after a local name for her home islands. The researchers behind the discovery announced their work in a presentation at the International Society of Blood Transfusion's Congress in Milan, which concluded June 4. The research team first met the woman in 2011, when she was living in Paris and undergoing routine tests before a surgery. But the tests couldn't reveal her blood type or any matches for it. Analysis at the time wasn't advanced enough to detect the cause, and the case lay cold for eight years. In 2019, researchers utilized high-throughput gene sequencing analysis, which enables faster and more in-depth analysis of DNA, to re-examine the woman's blood. Two years of detailed research followed, in which the team sequenced her entire genome. Human blood group systems are more complex than you might think. These classifications refer to proteins and sugars found on the surface of red blood cells, called antigens, which are recognized by our immune system. Austrian-American biologist Dr. Karl Landsteiner identified the first and most familiar blood group system — ABO — in 1901, and this won him a Nobel in 1930. Related: How many blood types are there? The classic ABO blood typing system describes whether people have one, both or neither of the antigens known as "A" and "B" on their blood cells. The second most well-known blood group system is rhesus classification, which considers whether your cells are "positive" or "negative" for an antigen called Rh factor. Together, the combinations of the ABO and Rh systems give us the eight main blood groups — but there are dozens of lesser known blood group systems, 45 of which were recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) as of 2024. Now, Gwada negative has been recognized as number 48. The woman's unusual lab test results eventually led to the discovery of a mutation in a gene called PIGZ, which alters how proteins anchor to the surface of blood cells. The woman's unique mutations mean "she is the only person in the world compatible with herself," Thierry Peyrard, a biologist at French blood research body Établissement français du sang (EFS), told AFP. Blood group systems are essential for blood transfusions, as our bodies reject blood group antigens that they perceive as foreign. If we go back to the ABO system, for example, people with both A and B antigens can receive blood from anyone else, as their body recognizes both antigens as familiar. People with the O blood type have neither A or B antigens, meaning they can only receive blood from other type O donors. RELATED STORIES —What's the rarest blood type? —Lab-made universal blood could revolutionize transfusions. Scientists just got one step closer to making it. —Why do we have different blood types? While the ABO and Rh systems are still considered the most critical for transfusions, rarer systems can still influence who an individual can receive blood from. The research team's next aim is to discover whether there are other people with this unique new blood group. As blood types are genetic and thus often shared by populations with similar ancestries, the team intends to start the search among blood donors in Guadeloupe. "Discovering new blood types means offering patients with rare blood a better level of care," the EFS statement says.
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First Post
7 days ago
- Health
- First Post
Only one person on Earth has this blood type. What is 'Gwada negative'?
A 68-year-old woman from Guadeloupe has been confirmed as the sole known carrier of a newly discovered blood group named 'Gwada negative'. Officially recognised as the 48th blood group system by the International Society of Blood Transfusion, this ultra-rare type could hold implications for the future of transfusion science and rare blood compatibility care read more 'Gwada negative' has been established as the 48th blood group system in the world. Representational Image/AI-generated via Firstpost A woman from the French Caribbean territory of Guadeloupe has been confirmed as the only known person in the world to possess a newly classified blood group — now officially recognised as the 48th blood group system. The new blood group has been named 'Gwada negative', after a local nickname for the islands of Guadeloupe. The discovery was announced by France's national blood service, Établissement français du sang (EFS), following its formal recognition by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT) at its congress in Milan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The ISBT had previously identified 47 unique blood group systems. This development comes more than a century after Austrian-American biologist Karl Landsteiner first identified the ABO system in 1901, a milestone that would later earn him a Nobel Prize. How 'Gwada negative' was discovered The woman in question, now 68 years old and living in Paris, first drew the attention of medical researchers in 2011. At the time, she was undergoing routine pre-surgical blood tests. Initial laboratory tests failed to classify her blood using any known blood typing methods. An atypical antibody was identified, and her blood could not be matched within existing systems. A 'very unusual' antibody was first found in the patient in 2011, Thierry Peyrard, a medical biologist from EFS, who has played a key role in the study, told AFP. However, at the time of the initial tests, the tools and technology available were insufficient to explore the anomaly further. The case remained unexplained for nearly eight years, until 2019, when scientists at EFS returned to her sample using a more advanced diagnostic tool — high-throughput DNA sequencing. This technology enabled researchers to conduct a deeper genetic investigation, ultimately revealing a mutation in the PIGZ gene, which alters how specific proteins anchor themselves to red blood cells. The woman was confirmed to have inherited the condition from both her parents, who each carried a version of the mutated gene. This made her the only known person on Earth to have this specific blood group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'She is the only person in the world who is compatible with herself,' said Peyrard. He noted that the name 'Gwada negative' was chosen in reference to the patient's Guadeloupean origin and also because 'it sounds good in all languages,' making it a suitable term for global usage among the scientific and medical communities. What makes blood types so complex Though most people know their blood type as A, B, AB, or O — combined with a positive or negative Rh factor — these are just the best-known components of a vast and intricate system. Human red blood cells carry more than 600 different antigens, and each unique combination of these can result in a new blood type. For this reason, the ISBT recognises blood group systems rather than individual blood types. Each system is defined by the genetic and serological properties that influence the expression of antigens. The ABO and Rh systems are the most clinically important, especially for transfusions, but over the years, dozens of others have been identified, including rare ones that affect transfusion compatibility and immune response. The addition of Gwada negative follows previous rare group discoveries such as the 'Er' system, which was recognised in 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Scientific progress in gene sequencing, particularly high-throughput genomic tools, has accelerated the pace of discovery in recent years. According to experts, more new blood groups may be identified annually as sequencing technologies become more widespread and affordable. What this means for rare blood group carriers Understanding blood types is critical in transfusion medicine. When blood from a donor carries antigens that are not recognised by the recipient's immune system, it can trigger a dangerous immune reaction, which can be life-threatening. The ABO-Rh system offers transfusion compatibility in 99.8 per cent of cases, but patients with rarer blood types face greater risk and more limited donor options. The EFS highlighted this point in its public statement: 'Discovering new blood groups means offering patients with rare blood types a better level of care.' Although millions of theoretical blood types are possible based on antigen variation, only 48 blood group systems have met the rigorous genetic and serological criteria to be recognised by the ISBT. Every addition to this list not only advances the scientific understanding of human genetics but also enhances the safety and efficacy of transfusions for rare cases. In the United States alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that more than 14 million units of blood are transfused annually. Accurate typing and identification are essential to ensure those transfusions are both safe and effective. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why this puts the woman with 'Gwada negative' in a unique position The woman with Gwada negative blood is unique in more ways than one. Unlike other rare blood types that may have small numbers of known carriers, she is the only confirmed person worldwide with this classification, making her completely incompatible with any blood donor currently known to science — except herself. This reality poses major challenges should she ever require a transfusion. Her genome sequencing has been archived, and researchers are now focused on locating other potential carriers, particularly among blood donors from Guadeloupe and surrounding regions. Because blood types are inherited, populations with shared ancestry may be the most likely sources of other cases. The blood group's formal recognition by the ISBT not only gives it a place in global transfusion protocols, but also encourages international collaboration to identify other carriers and develop strategies for rare donor recruitment. With inputs from agencies
Time of India
14-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Blood Donor Day: Who can donate blood? Myths and facts to know
Image credits: Getty Images Every drop of blood counts when it is given to someone struggling for life. What might just be a regular donation for you, could help a person continue their life alongside their loved ones in good health. Being a donor is more than just performing a civic duty, it is being a giver, one who shares a bit of their life with the others. June 14th is being celebrated as World Donor Day around the world, urging people to donate blood and enlightening them about the importance of it. However, sometimes we hesitate to donate due to some myths we have heard around by people. Who can donate blood and what are some common myths and facts related to blood donation? Find out below! World Blood Donor Day Image credits: Getty Images Each year, June 14 is celebrated as World Blood Donor Day. The day raises awareness on the need of safe blood and blood products and as a gratitude to the voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving gifts of blood. The theme of World Blood Donor Day changes every year and for 2025 it is 'Give blood, give hope', honouring the hope one gives with every drop of blood. The day was started in 2004, followed by its formal designation as an annual event by the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. It is celebrated particularly on June 14 to honour Karl Landsteiner, Austrian biologist and physician considered to be the "founder" of modern blood transfusion that saves thousands of lives every year. Who can donate blood? Image credits: Getty Images According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most people can give blood if they are healthy. Though there are some basic eligibility criteria. Age : People between the ages of 18 and 65 can donate blood. Weight : You have to weigh at least 50 kg to be able to donate blood. Health : You must be in good health while donating blood and avoid it if you are suffering from cold, flu, sore throat, cold sore, stomach bug or any other infection. Additionally, you can not donate if you don't meet the minimum haemoglobin level for blood donation. In some countries, the haemoglobin level of no less than 12.0 g/dl for females and 13.9g/dl for males is considered the threshold. Myths and facts to know about blood donation Image credits: Getty Images Those donating blood for the first time or after some new activity may face a problem with some myths circulating around about blood donations. These are the common myths and facts you must know before donating. Myth: People with tattoos or piercings can't donate People with fresh tattoos or piercings need to have a gap between their tattoos or piercings and blood donation. In the US, you need to wait for three months before donating in such a case, but the time period varies in different countries. Myth: I will feel weak or ill after the donation While you feel a bit lightheaded after donation, the fluids are recuperated in the body within 24 hours and the red cells fully regenerate within weeks. Myth: You can only donate with a certain blood type Every person who has a specific blood group might need blood in case of a medical condition. Thus, blood donation is not limited to a particular blood type. While O-negative is universal, every blood type comes in handy during emergencies. Myth: Vegetarians or vegans can't donate blood Healthy iron and haemoglobin levels are required for donating blood, no matter what kind of diet you follow. If you are someone suffering from iron deficiency then you could be temporarily deferred from donating but not because of a diet you consume. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
14-06-2025
- Health
- News18
World Blood Donor Day 2025: This Health Benefit Of Donating Blood Will Surprise You
The theme for World Blood Donor Day 2025 is 'Give blood, give hope: together we save lives'. It is centered around the crucial need for blood and plasma donations and the importance they hold for the lives of countless patients. This year, the World Health Organization (WHO) aims to encourage regular blood donation by both new and existing donors. The theme is also aimed at consolidating support from governments and other stakeholders for investment in efforts for sustained national blood programs that, in turn, ensure universal safe blood transfusion globally. World Blood Donor Day 2025: History World Blood Donor Day was established by the WHO with the first celebration of the event in 2004. A year later, in 2005, it was officially recognised as a yearly global event by the 58th World Health Assembly. June 14 was chosen as the date for the annual observance as Austrian physician and biologist Karl Landsteiner, who is regarded as the 'founder" of modern blood transfusion, was born on this very day in 1868. Among his groundbreaking contributions to modern medical science is the discovery of the ABO blood groups. He also developed the model used to classify blood groups. Landsteiner is also partly credited with the identification of the Rhesus factor. World Blood Donor Day 2025: Significance World Blood Donor Day is a significant annual occasion that seeks to honour the compassionate worldview of voluntary blood donors. It also seeks to raise public awareness about the importance of blood donation. Health Benefits Of Blood Donation Besides saving the lives of accident victims and patients suffering from life-threatening diseases, blood donation is also believed to have significant health benefits for the donor, including a reduced risk of heart attack. Some research also suggests that donating blood might lower the risk of developing certain cancers. Blood Donation: A Lifesaving Gift With Health Benefits For Donors Too According to Dr. Amit Saraf, Director, Internal Medicine at Jupiter Hospital, Thane, blood donation has consistently played a crucial role in modern and historical healthcare systems, supporting a wide range of medical needs—from trauma and emergency care to routine surgeries, cancer treatments, and maternal health services. Advertisement 'Its value lies not just in emergency situations but also in the continuity of routine medical care," says Dr. Saraf. Beyond saving lives, regular blood donation offers multiple health benefits to the donors themselves. It can help maintain healthy iron levels, support cardiovascular health, and may encourage the natural regeneration of blood cells. Additionally, the routine health checks performed before donation can sometimes alert individuals to underlying health conditions, making them more aware of their personal wellbeing. 'There are well-documented health benefits for donors. It's not only about helping others—it helps you know more about your own body too," Dr. Saraf explains.
