Gut Bacteria Found to Produce ABO-Universal Blood Enzymes

A recent study published in Nature Microbiology reveals that Akkermansia muciniphila possesses exoglycosidases capable of converting blood group antigens to produce ABO-universal blood, offering a promising solution to streamline blood logistics and reduce the risk of ABO-mismatched transfusions. This research highlights the potential of gut bacteria like Akkermansia muciniphila as valuable sources of enzymes for universal blood production, emphasizing the importance of leveraging microbial enzymatic pathways to enhance transfusion safety.