Groundbreaking Discovery: French Scientists Identify Unique Blood Type in Woman from Guadeloupe

French scientists have announced a fascinating discovery: a new blood type called "Gwada negative." This finding comes from a woman on the Caribbean island of Guadeloupe and was reported by France’s blood supply agency, EFS.

The story began 15 years ago when doctors found a peculiar antibody during a routine test on the woman, who was preparing for surgery. At that time, the science behind it was unclear due to limited resources. However, advances in technology made it possible to investigate further. In 2019, researchers used "high-throughput DNA sequencing," revealing a genetic mutation responsible for this unique blood type.

EFS stated that this new system is the 48th recognized blood group system globally, joining the 47 already established. Medical biologist Thierry Peyrard, who was part of the discovery team, explained that the woman inherited this distinctive blood type from both parents. She is the only person known to possess it, making her "compatible with herself."

The new name "Gwada negative" not only honors her heritage but also resonates well across different languages. This discovery highlights the importance of new blood types for those with rare conditions, potentially improving patient care.

In recent years, advancements in genetic testing have expedited the identification of new blood groups. A 2020 study found that the number of recognized blood types had almost doubled in the last two decades, reflecting the rapid progress in this field.

Currently, Peyrard and his team are eager to find others who might share this blood type. As we learn more about our genetics, the health sector can offer better solutions for individuals with rare blood types, enhancing treatment and transfusion options.

For further details about blood group systems, you can explore insights from the International Society of Blood Transfusion.

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Blood Donation, Science, France