Scientists Discover New “Gwada Negative” Blood Type in Guadeloupe

In a recent breakthrough in transfusion medicine, researchers in France have identified a previously unknown blood group called “Gwada negative” in a volunteer donor from Guadeloupe. The discovery emerged during routine donor screening and was confirmed through serological testing and genetic sequencing.

This new blood type appears to result from a unique variant in the erythrocyte surface antigen, making it incompatible with standard donor blood. This could pose a serious risk of transfusion reactions if not properly identified in emergency transfusions. Blood centers in the region are now updating their screening protocols to detect this variant among local donors, which could significantly improve patient safety.

The discovery is rare and so far has only been found in a small number of individuals in Guadeloupe, pointing to a potential genetic variant unique to this population. Further epidemiological studies are planned to assess its prevalence and distribution more broadly in the Caribbean.

Beyond its local impact, this finding highlights how regional population genetics can directly influence clinical practice. It underscores the need for labs worldwide to remain vigilant for rare blood types, especially in diverse populations. Researchers believe this antigen variation may have appeared due to evolutionary pressures or founder effects in the island’s population history.

Medically, having this knowledge ensures that individuals with this blood type can receive compatible blood during surgery or trauma care. It can also guide blood banks in creating targeted donor registries and inform genetic counseling.

This discovery demonstrates that even well-studied fields like blood typing continue to yield surprises. What seems routine in one region may carry critical significance for patient safety elsewhere. Future research will examine the molecular structure of the antigen, its immunogenicity, and whether it impacts erythrocyte function.

Source:

https://phys.org/news/2025-06-scientists-gwada-blood-type.html