AB (blood type)

AB (blood type)

The AB blood type is one of the four main blood types identified by the ABO blood group system. It is characterized by the presence of both antigen A and antigen B on the red blood cells' surface. This blood type is considered the rarest among the ABO blood group system, with a global prevalence of approximately 4%.

History

The AB blood type was first identified by Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner in the early 20th century. Landsteiner's discovery of the ABO blood group system, including the AB blood type, revolutionized the field of transfusion medicine and earned him the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930.

Characteristics

Individuals with the AB blood type have both A and B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells and lack antibodies against these antigens in their plasma. This means that they can receive blood from donors of any ABO blood type (universal recipients) but can only donate blood to other AB individuals.

Genetics

The AB blood type is inherited in an autosomal codominant manner. This means that an individual must inherit an A allele from one parent and a B allele from the other to have the AB blood type.

Health implications

Research has suggested that the AB blood type may be associated with an increased risk of certain health conditions, including heart disease, blood clots, and memory loss. However, these associations are not fully understood and require further study.

See also

• Blood type
• ABO blood group system
• Antigen
• Red blood cell
• Blood donation
• Blood plasma
• Heart disease
• Blood clot
• Memory loss

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