Scientists have discovered a new blood type from the French overseas region of Guadeloupe that has previously been identified in only one woman.
The 68-year-old is the only known person in the world who has this blood type named “Gwadanega” after the local name of her hometown island. The researchers behind the discovery presented their research at a presentation at the parliamentary conference of the International Blood Transfusion Association in Milan, which ended on June 4th.
The researchers first met a woman in 2011 when they lived in Paris and were undergoing regular examinations before the surgery. However, the tests were unable to reveal her blood type or its match.
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The analysis at the time was not enough progress to detect the cause, and the cases were cold for eight years.
In 2019, researchers utilized high-throughput gene sequencing analysis. This allows faster and more detailed analysis of DNA to reexamine women’s blood. Two years of in-depth research continued, and the team sequenced her entire genome.
The human blood type system is more complicated than you might think. These classifications refer to proteins and sugars found on the surface of red blood cells, called antigens recognized by our immune system. Austrian-American biologist Dr. Karl Landsteiner identified the first and most familiar blood layer system ABO in 1901, and in 1930 he won the Nobel.
Related: How many blood types do you have?
The classic ABO blood typing system explains whether people have both antigens known as “A” and “B” in their blood cells. The second most well-known blood layer system is the rhesus monkey classification. This takes into account whether the cell is “positive” or “negative” for an antigen called RH factor.
Together, the combination of the ABO and RH systems gives eight major blood groups, but as of 2024 there are many lesser known blood type systems that were recognized by the International Association for Blood Transfusion (ISBT). Currently, Gwadhan Negative is recognized as number 48.
Abnormal lab test results in women ultimately lead to the discovery of a mutation in a gene called Pigz, which alters how proteins anchor the surface of blood cells. The unique mutation in the woman is “she is the only person in the world compatible with herself,” Thierry Peyrard, a biologist at the French blood research institute, told AFP.
Our body rejects blood type antigens that are recognized as foreigners, so the blood type system is essential for transfusions. For example, going back to the ABO system, people with both A and B antigens can receive blood from others. People with O blood type do not have any A or B antigens either. This means that blood can only be received from other type-O donors.
The ABO and RH systems are still considered most important for blood transfusions, but the more unusual systems can still affect individuals who can receive blood.
The next goal of the research team is to discover if there are others with this unique new blood layer. The team intends to begin a search for blood donors in Guadeloupe, as blood types are genetic and are therefore often shared by populations with similar ancestors.
“Discovering new blood types means providing better levels of care to patients with rare blood,” the EFS statement said.
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