Abo blood type

Abo blood type is a system of blood type classification based on the presence or absence of antigens A and B on the surface of red blood cells. The ABO blood group system is used to denote the presence of one, both, or neither of the A and B antigens on erythrocytes. In human blood transfusions it is the most important of the 38 different blood type (or group) classification systems currently recognized.

History

The ABO blood group system was discovered by Austrian scientist Karl Landsteiner, who found three different blood types in 1900. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1930 for this discovery. The fourth blood type, AB, was discovered a year later by two of Landsteiner's colleagues, Adolf von Decastello and Adriano Sturli.

ABO Blood Group System

The ABO system is defined by two antigens, A and B. Individuals can have either antigen A or B (making them type A or B), both antigens (type AB), or neither (type O). The presence or absence of these antigens determines a person's ABO blood type.

Type A

People with type A blood have the A antigen on the surface of their red blood cells, and blood serum containing IgM anti-B antibodies against the B antigen. If a person with A type blood receives B or AB type blood, their body will mount an immune response.

Type B

People with type B blood have the B antigen on the surface of their red blood cells, and blood serum containing IgM anti-A antibodies against the A antigen. If a person with B type blood receives A or AB type blood, their body will mount an immune response.

Type AB

People with type AB blood have both A and B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, and their blood serum does not contain any anti-A or anti-B antibodies. Individuals with type AB can receive blood from donors of any ABO type, referred to as universal recipients.

Type O

People with type O blood do not have any A or B antigens on the surface of their red blood cells, and their blood serum contains both anti-A and anti-B antibodies. Individuals with type O can donate blood to individuals of any ABO type, referred to as universal donors.

ABO and Disease

Research has shown a correlation between certain diseases and ABO blood types. For example, people with blood type O are less likely to suffer from heart attacks and strokes, while those with type A, B or AB are at a greater risk for these conditions.

See Also

• Blood transfusion
• Rh blood group system
• Karl Landsteiner