French Scientists Discover New Blood Type, 'Gwada Negative,' in Guadeloupe Woman
A rare new blood type identified in a woman from Guadeloupe, marking the 48th recognized blood group system globally.
French scientists have identified a new blood type, named 'Gwada negative,' in a woman from Guadeloupe. This discovery, announced by the French Blood Establishment (EFS), marks the 48th recognized blood group system worldwide. The woman, now 54 and living in Paris, was first identified with an unusual antibody during routine pre-surgery tests in 2011. However, it wasn't until 2019, with advancements in high-throughput DNA sequencing, that researchers confirmed the genetic mutation responsible for this unique blood type. The EFS revealed that the woman inherited the mutation from both her parents, making her the only known carrier of this blood group. The name 'Gwada negative' reflects her origins and is considered universally appealing. Scientists are now hopeful of finding others with this rare blood type to enhance medical care for individuals with unique blood profiles.