Breakthrough Enzymes in Gut Bacteria May Double Universal Donor Blood Supply

Apr 29, 2024, 09:54 PM

Recent studies have identified enzymes in the gut bacteria Akkermansia muciniphila that can convert other blood types into the universal donor type, O. This breakthrough, published in Nature Microbiology, suggests a potential solution to the global shortage of type O blood donors. The enzymes work by removing specific antigens from red blood cells, a method that has been explored for decades but has seen significant advancements with this new technique. Researchers believe this could double the supply of universal donor blood, revolutionizing transfusion medicine by making all blood types universally compatible.