Increase in Demand for Hepatitis C Tests Following Contaminated Blood Scandal
The recent revelation of hundreds unknowingly infected with hepatitis C in the UK has led to a surge in demand for tests. Hepatitis C Trust reports up to 27,000 contracted the virus through contaminated blood transfusions, with an additional 1,700 undiagnosed. Left untreated, hepatitis C can lead to chronic liver disease and be fatal. The charity has seen a significant increase in requests for home-testing kits, emphasizing the importance of identifying and treating those unaware of their infection status. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt is expected to announce a compensation package for those impacted by the scandal, following the release of the final report from the infected blood inquiry.
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.
The Importance of O Blood Type
Here is an inside look into the O blood type and everything fans can expect It is a well-known fact in today’s society that a person’s blood type is important in emergencies for blood transfusions, however, new information has come…