Archive · 26 Jun 2025
New Blood Group 'Gwada Negative' Discovered After Years of Research
Scientists have found a new, very rare blood type called 'Gwada negative.'
It's so rare that only one person in the world has it.
This discovery was made after studying a blood sample from a woman in France.
This blood type is unique because it lacks a specific marker found in most people's blood.
The woman inherited this blood type from both parents.
This finding is important because it helps doctors better care for people with rare blood types, like the woman.
The 'Gwada negative' blood group is the 48th blood group system discovered and recognized by the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).
It was discovered in a French woman from Guadeloupe, making her the only known carrier.
The blood type is distinguished by the absence of the EMM antigen on red blood cells.
The discovery was made after 15 years of research, starting from a blood sample taken in 2011.
The woman is only compatible with herself, as no other known donor can safely give her blood.
- Who
- A French woman from Guadeloupe, the only known carrier of the 'Gwada negative' blood type.
- What
- The discovery of a new and extremely rare blood type called 'Gwada negative'.
- When
- The discovery was officially recognized in early June, after 15 years of research starting from a blood sample taken in 2011.
- Where
- The discovery originated from a blood sample of a woman from Guadeloupe, residing in Paris.
- Why
- The discovery helps offer better care for people with rare blood types, and to advance the understanding of human blood groups.
- Blood Group Name
- Gwada negative (EMM-negative)
- Discovery
- 48th blood group system recognized by ISBT
- Carrier
- One person worldwide
- Origin
- Guadeloupe, France
- Antigen Absence
- EMM antigen
- Research Duration
- 15 years