Gut bacteria can help create artificial Group O blood

“The human gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila produces enzymes that are able to remove ABO blood group related antigens on the surface of red blood cells, which could help provide blood for those who need it in the absence of suitable donors. In a paper published in Nature Microbiology, the researchers [Technical University of Denmark] report that although this research is at an early stage, they believe they have been able to remove some additional antigens from A and B type red blood cells using this method that earlier attempts were not able to achieve. If this method succeeds in clinical testing, it could help people with the O blood group who are unable to receive A, B or AB group blood due to the reactive antigens on the surface of red blood cells of these types causing rejection in normal circumstances.”    MORE

Image Credit:  InsidePrecisionMedicine