In school we are taught that there are four main blood types, namely A, B, AB and O. Underneath them are subtypes depending on the antibodies and antigens in them. So far, 47 blood types have been discovered by scientists, but in June, the 48th blood type was finally identified after being a mystery for 15 years.
The French Blood Society (EFS) has successfully identified the 48th blood type, which is very rare, known as “Gwada negative”. A blood sample was taken from a woman about 15 years ago when she was undergoing a pre-surgery screening. In the laboratory, her blood was found to react negatively to all blood types, including her own family members.
Because this blood type is so rare, this woman from the Guadeloupe islands is the only person in the world who has it and as a result cannot receive blood from anyone because of the reaction with her body’s antibodies.
The mystery of her blood type was only solved after DNA sequencing was done. A mutation in a gene inherited from his mother and father produces a unique new blood type but makes his life difficult if he needs a blood supply in an emergency situation.