Scientists uncover New Blood Type After Decades-long Mystery
For over five decades, a medical enigma puzzled scientists: a pregnant woman’s blood lacked a common antigen, AnWj. This anomaly, first observed in 1972, finally yielded its secrets, leading to the identification of a completely new human blood group system, dubbed MAL.
The discovery, detailed in a recent study, sheds light on the complex world of blood typing. While most are familiar with the A, B, O, and AB systems, along with the Rh factor, there are actually 45 recognized blood group systems, encompassing over 362 different antigens. The absence of anwj, initially thought to be linked to illness, was found in five individuals, including family members, revealing a genetic basis for this unique blood profile.
“The mystery that began in 1972 involved a pregnant woman who was tested and showed the absence of an antigen called AnWj,” explains a leading researcher. “These antigens are lost in only a small number of individuals, and in many cases, their loss is associated with conditions such as cancer or hematological disorders. However,in this recent study,we found that for these five individuals,the lack of this antigen was due to genetic causes.”
The implications of this discovery are meaningful, particularly for blood transfusions. Incorrect blood type matching can have severe consequences, highlighting the crucial need for accurate identification of all blood group systems. The identification of the MAL system not only adds to the existing knowledge but also opens avenues for further research into the genetic and health implications of blood type variations.
This breakthrough underscores the ongoing evolution of our understanding of human genetics and its impact on healthcare. The discovery of the MAL blood group system serves as a reminder of the complexities of human biology and the importance of continued research in this vital field.
The research team emphasizes the importance of this discovery for future blood transfusion safety and the potential for further discoveries in the field of blood group genetics. The ongoing research promises to further illuminate the intricacies of human blood and its implications for health and medicine.