Breakthrough in haematology: scientists have discovered a new blood type MAL

Scientists have discovered a new blood type, which could be a major medical advance.

Here's What We Know

The new blood type, which has been discovered by researchers from the University of Bristol and NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT), has been named MAL. The discovery solved the 50-year mystery of the AnWj12 antigen, which was first discovered in 1972 but its genetic basis remained unknown.

The researchers proved that the AnWj antigen is linked to the Mal3 protein. More than 99.9 per cent of people are AnWj-positive, and those who lack this antigen lack the complete Mal3 protein. This discovery has important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of the extremely small group of patients who have such a rare blood type.

Importantly, scientists have not only discovered MAL, but have also developed a test. which allows it to be recognised. At the moment, only 400 people in the world with this blood type are known, but this figure does not mean that they are extremely few, but that the research has just begun, and who knows, maybe it is you who will be found to have MAL.

This discovery will help treat people with this blood type more effectively, potentially saving many lives. Scientists will pass the tests to various organisations and institutions so that doctors in different countries can identify patients with blood type MAL.

It is noted that the reason for the absence of this antigen can be a haematological or oncological disease, as well as a genetic feature. But do not hurry to diagnose yourself, the discovery of MAL has only been made and there is a huge amount of research and practical experiments ahead.

Source: BBC