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Related Concept Videos

The ABO Blood Group01:12

The ABO Blood Group

The ABO blood group system is a critical element of transfusion medicine, essential for determining blood compatibility in transfusions and organ transplants. It is based on specific antigens, or agglutinogens, present on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs) and corresponding antibodies, or agglutinins, in the blood plasma.
Antigens in the ABO Blood Group System
Antigens are substances that can trigger an immune response, leading to the production of antibodies. In the ABO blood group system,...
Blood Typing01:10

Blood Typing

Understanding an individual's blood group is a critical component of transfusion medicine. It ensures compatibility in blood transfusions, organ transplants, and even during pregnancy. Determining these blood groups involves the ABO and Rh blood typing systems, utilizing specific antigens and corresponding anti-sera to identify an individual's blood type.
Antigens are protein molecules that reside on the surface of red blood cells (RBCs). The ABO and Rh blood typing systems target antigens A,...
Blood Transfusion01:15

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusion is a critical medical procedure that saves lives and treats various medical conditions. It involves transferring blood from a donor to a recipient. This process requires a thorough understanding of the ABO blood group system and its associated antigens and antibodies.
Blood Transfusion Overview
A blood transfusion is a medical procedure used to replace blood lost due to injury, surgery, or to treat conditions such as anemia or cancer. During a transfusion, donor blood is...
Rh Blood Group01:19

Rh Blood Group

The Rhesus (Rh) antigen is crucial in determining blood groups and ensuring compatibility during blood transfusions.
Blood Transfusion and Agglutination02:45

Blood Transfusion and Agglutination

Blood transfusion is a therapeutic measure to restore the blood volume after extensive blood loss due to an accident or a medical procedure. Blood transfusion involves drawing a certain amount of blood from a suitable donor and infusing it into the recipient.
History
The history of blood transfusion dates back to the 17th century, when early attempts were made in animals. In 1818 James Blundell, a British doctor, performed the first successful human blood transfusion. Later in 1900, Karl...
Blood Types02:20

Blood Types

Human blood is classified into different types based on the presence of antigens on the red blood cell's surface and antibodies in the plasma. Proper identification of blood type is essential for successful blood transfusion. The International Society of Blood Transfusion has identified 38 human blood types based on the surface antigens on the red blood cells. The most common types are ABO, Rh, and MNS blood types.
ABO blood group
ABO antigens are glycoproteins encoded by genes present on...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah
04:43

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah

Published on: June 24, 2025

The relationship between blood groups and disease.

David J Anstee1

  • 1Bristol Institute for Transfusion Sciences, National Health Service Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK. david.anstee@nhsbt.nhs.uk

Blood
|March 24, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Founder effects and natural selection influence human blood group distribution. Malaria resistance is a key selective force, while founder effects explain certain blood group patterns in specific regions.

Area of Science:

  • Human Genetics
  • Population Genetics
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Human blood group frequencies vary significantly across populations, sparking debate on their evolutionary drivers.
  • Understanding early human migration patterns provides crucial context for blood group distribution.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relative contributions of founder effects and natural selection to human blood group diversity.
  • To explore the role of infectious diseases, particularly malaria, in shaping blood group expression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of human migration patterns using Y chromosome and mtDNA markers.
  • Review of evidence linking blood group polymorphisms to disease resistance and endemic infections.

Main Results:

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Last Updated: Jun 14, 2026

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah
04:43

COVID-19 Seroprevalence Test for IgG Antibody Levels Among Healthy Donors Across Different Pandemic Phases in Jeddah

Published on: June 24, 2025

A Knowledge Graph Approach to Elucidate the Role of Organellar Pathways in Disease via Biomedical Reports
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A Knowledge Graph Approach to Elucidate the Role of Organellar Pathways in Disease via Biomedical Reports

Published on: October 13, 2023

  • Malaria is identified as a major selective pressure, with altered red blood cell phenotypes common in endemic areas (e.g., Fy(a-b-), S-s- in Africa).
  • Founder effects offer a compelling explanation for the distribution of the D- phenotype and hemolytic disease in Europe and Central Asia.
  • Polymorphisms in ABH and Lewis antigens provide protection against infections like Helicobacter pylori, norovirus, and cholera.

Conclusions:

  • Both natural selection (driven by malaria) and founder effects play significant roles in shaping human blood group distributions.
  • Specific blood group phenotypes are adaptations to local infectious disease pressures and historical population movements.